West Coast Boxers of years Gone By

Marco Rubio’s request for referee change denied by WBC

2012-02-02T05:54:00.001-08:00

The World Boxing Council (WBC) has formally denied the request made by the number one contender for the World middleweight championship title, Marco Antonio Rubio regarding the change of Guadalupe Garcia, the referee appointed in his bout against Julio Cesar Chavez Junior.

Apparently, it seems like Rubio is feeling a bit uncomfortable in his upcoming iconic bout with Julio Cesar Chavez Junior, since sources have revealed that Osvaldo and Reginald Kuchle, Rubio’s representatives, lodged a formal request in WBC showing a bit of distrust over the designated bout referee, Guadalupe Garcia. The details of the letter or the application are not known to anyone.

In fact, the news made its place in media when Jose Sulaiman, President World Boxing Council revealed that he has received a letter, a request for the change of the match referee by Rubio’s camp. Jose commented that he and his colleagues pondered over the newly developed scenario and reached a decision that a referee of international level such as Garcia should not be relinquished from his responsibilities.

Jose added that the request has been formally denied since no substantial evidence or solid reasoning was present in the formal request. The Mexican hailing WBC president further said that he and the appointed decision making staff has full confidence in the Mexican Garcia since he has conducted several brawls of high profile nature in an authoritative way and has a very impressive record of refereeing bouts in accordance with the Council’s rules and regulations.

Sulaiman commented that, “The appointment of Lupe Garcia was in agreement with Dick Cole, head of the Commission of Texas. And it was a great achievement that referees from other countries are accepted to work in WBC title bouts in Texas. It’s a great opportunity we have awaited for years and it’s great news that we will not reject.”

While laying his utmost confidence in Garcia, Jose remarked that, “The WBC gives a vote of confidence to Lupe Garcia who will be our representative and we are confident that everything will be OK.”

Guadalupe Garcia is the official match referee for the bout between Marco Rubio and Julio Cesar Chavez. The bout will headline the event by the name Welcome to the Future and will be fought in the middleweight category.

Both men will strive to knock their opponent out in order to grasp the world middleweight championship title. The event is promoted by Top Rank and will be televised by HBO sports on Saturday, February 4, 2012 live from St. Antonio, Texas.

Angelo Dundee dies at 90; corner man for Ali, Leonard

2012-02-02T05:51:00.000-08:00

Dundee was Muhammad Ali's trainer for the Fight of the Century, the Rumble in the Jungle and the Thrilla in Manila, and in Leonard's corner for his No Mas match against Roberto Duran.

By Steve Springer, Special to the Los Angeles Times

February 2, 2012

Angelo Dundee, who trained the two most celebrated fighters of his era, Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard, and 15 world champions in all in a Hall of Fame career that began in 1952, has died. He was 90.

Dundee died Wednesday at a Clearwater, Fla., rehabilitation center, said his son, James. He had a blood clot that developed during a flight back to his Florida home after visiting Ali in Louisville, Ky., for the boxer's 70th birthday last month.

Dundee was in Ali's corner for the Fight of the Century, the Rumble in the Jungle and the Thrilla in Manila, and in Leonard's corner for his No Mas match against Roberto Duran as well as his memorable fights against Thomas Hearns and Marvin Hagler.

Other boxers trained by Dundee included George Foreman, Carmen Basilio and Willie Pastrano.

In a sport of drama and explosiveness, dealing with fighters spouting hyperbole and filled with emotion, Dundee was the perfect complement, always calm, always analytical, ever able to maintain his cool, whether in the sweltering heat of Manila or the fury of Zaire.

In his 2007 autobiography, "My View From the Corner," Dundee said his job was "a mixed bag combining certain qualities belonging to a doctor, an engineer, a psychologist and, sometimes, even an actor....When the bell rings ending the round, that's when the trainer takes over."

If Dundee hadn't taken over on two occasions with Ali, one of the greatest careers in boxing history might have ended almost before it began.

At the end of the fourth round of a 1963 fight against Henry Cooper, Ali, then known as Cassius Clay, was surprised by a left-hand punch that floored him and left him dazed. Fortunately for Clay, it was the end of the round, allowing him to stagger back to his corner.

It was there that Dundee, trying to buy time until his fighter's head cleared, stuck his finger in a slight split in the seams of one of Clay's gloves, causing a slightly bigger split. That allowed Dundee to ask the referee for another pair of gloves. None were available, but the incident added valuable seconds to Clay's rest time, allowing him to recover and go on to win on a fifth-round technical knockout.

His next fight, against heavyweight champion Sonny Liston, might not have occurred if Clay had lost to Cooper.

In the fourth round of Clay's 1964 fight against Liston, another crisis occurred. A substance of undetermined origin got in Clay's eyes, temporarily blinding him. In the corner prior to the fifth round, Clay ordered Dundee to cut off his gloves, ending the fight.

The trainer would do no such thing. He wet Clay's eyes, alleviating some of the sting, and then literally shoved him back out into the ring when the bell rang. Clay, still unable to see, was told by Dundee to just run.

Run he did until, midway through the round, Clay's vision cleared. At the end of the sixth round, Liston, claiming a shoulder injury, quit in his corner.

Thanks to Dundee, Clay had his first title and a launching pad for the meteoric career that would follow.

Dundee was born Angelo Mirena on Aug. 30, 1921, in Philadelphia, the eighth of nine children. It was his brother Joe, 21 years his senior, who first took the name Dundee to hide the fact he was a fighter from his father. His brother Chris also took the name, as did Angelo eventually.

Dundee's introduction to boxing came during his time in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. He worked the corner in service boxing tournaments.

Dundee's course in life was set. He would follow his brother Chris, a future Hall of Fame promoter, to New York where Dundee would hone his trade at Stillman's Gym, and then on to the Fifth Street Gym in Miami where his reputation was sealed.

He became Ali's trainer in 1960 for Ali's second pro fight and remained with him until the end, 21 years later. Even when Ali was surrounded by members of the Black Muslims and mired in racial controversy, Dundee, a white man, was able to remain under the radar and do his job.

Dundee added an Olympic gold medal winner to his stable of fighters when Leonard joined him after turning pro. Leonard won the medal in 1976.

Dundee's most memorable moment in Leonard's corner came in 1981, in Leonard's first fight against Hearns. Momentum had slipped away from Leonard by the end of the 12th round of the 15-round match.

"You're blowing it, son," Dundee told him in the corner.

Leonard responded by rallying for a 14th-round TKO victory.

As he had with Ali, Dundee had again possibly saved a Hall of Fame career, ensuring himself a spot among the pantheon of boxing trainers.

Besides his son, James, Dundee is survived by his daughter, Terri, six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. His wife, Helen, died in 2010.

Springer is a former Los Angeles Times staff writer.

Los Angeles Times staff writer Lance Pugmire contributed to this report.

THE GOLDEN BOY REVISITED : Once Upon a Time, Art Aragon Was King of L.A.; He Really Misses Those Days

2012-01-07T21:49:00.001-08:00

Part 1

May 08, 1988|EARL GUSTKEY | Times Staff Writer

The Golden Boy, at 60:

Art Aragon is at his desk in his Van Nuys bail bond office, the one next to the tattoo shop. Through sunglasses in the dark office, he stares through the window at passers-by on Victory Boulevard.

The phone rings.

"HelloAragon," he mumbles.

He listens briefly, then mumbles again, "Sorry, no collect calls," and abruptly hangs up.

A visitor asks who it was.

"Some guy in jail," he says. "He'll call back."

Seconds later, the caller is back on the line--his nickel.

"HelloAragon.

"What're you in for, Danny?

"Possession of a controlled substance, huh?

"What's your booking number, Danny?

"How old are you?

"What's your address, Danny?

"That sounds like a trailer park. It is? That's bad, Danny. You could haul that trailer out of there one night and disappear on me and I'd get awful mad.

"You got a job, Danny?

"A roofer? How about this Danny: I get you outta jail, you fix my roof. How's that sound?

"OK, Danny, I need $260 from someone who knows you well and who owns property. How about your girlfriend? OK, how about your boyfriend? Your Mom? That's great, Danny. What's her phone number? OK, stay by that phone. I'll call you right back."

He dials.

"Hello, Mrs. . . . ? This is Art Aragon calling. Did you know your son is in . . . You know me? From where? Jerry's Bar? Oh, yeah. From years ago. Sure I remember you. Real sexy, right? Yeah, I remember you. Hey, Mama, you were so beautiful in those days you were dangerous. They shoulda put you in jail years ago, Mama.

"Hey, I'm a bail bondsman now. Your son's in jail. You want me to get him out or what? You don't? OK, suit yourself."

But the woman decides that she does want to bail her son out, and makes an appointment with Aragon.

The visitor asks Aragon if the woman really was beautiful.

"Yeah, she was," he says. "Hey, in those days, I didn't drink with bums, pal."

Aragon breaks into a wide grin.

And you know that, behind the sunglasses, he has winked.

Always, the mouth. He was the fighter they loved to hate. Arrogant Art, they called him. They booed when he won. They booed when he lost.

Recently, he was asked what he missed most from the 1950s, when he was the owner of Los Angeles.

"Nothin'!" he retorted, almost snarling.

"I hated it! Boxing's a horrible sport. Getting whacked in the head, managers and promoters stealing my money, all that road work, tryin' to make weight . . . Whaddya mean, what do I miss?

"Let me tell you something--I got brain damage from boxing, you know that?

"Well, OK, I do miss one thing.

"The broads.

"And I miss the boos, too. Walking into the ring at the Olympic, 10,000 people there, wearing that gold robe, hearing all those boos, yeah I miss that. You ever get booed by 10,000 people? It's exciting.

"I liked it even better when I beat the . . . out of some guy the crowd loved and then I'd look out at 'em, give 'em a big smile, and the boos would be even louder. I loved that."

Art, about brain damage . . .

"Well, sometimes I slur my words, right? I didn't used to sound like this. I've been to doctors. Like I say, boxing is a horrible sport. People like Don King and Burt Sugar make lots of money and there're all these fighters out there whacking each other in the head.

"Let me tell you something, I did more damage to myself my last two years in boxing than I did in the previous 14 years combined. The fighter is always the last guy to figure out when it's time to quit."

In his 60th year, the Golden Boy wins a paternity suit.

In court, Aragon's attorney has a doctor on the stand, who says to the judge: "Your honor, it is not possible for Mr. Aragon to have been the father of this woman's child."

Aragon stands up and says: "Your honor, I want a second opinion."

The Golden Boy. In the 1950s, before the Dodgers arrived, Art Aragon was the king of Los Angeles.

Take a look at the pictures on the walls at Golden Boy Bail Bonds. Hey, isn't that . . . ? You bet it is. It's Marilyn Monroe and the Golden Boy. And is that . . . ? Yep. Jayne Mansfield and Art. And there he is with Mamie Van Doren. And there's Bob Hope, Joe Louis . . . Between 1950 and 1953, Aragon fought 23 times at the Olympic Auditorium and his bouts drew $626,442. No one knows how many times his fights sold out the old arena, but he's the acknowledged record-holder.

He fought for his biggest purse against Carmen Basilio in 1958, at old Wrigley Field. Aragon earned $104,000--and took the worst beating anyone at ringside that night had ever seen. "When I started fighting in 1944, I was broke," Aragon said. "When I fought Basilio, I made $104,000 and owed my ex-wives $200,000. What sense does that make?

"Hey, in the 1950s, I \o7 owned \f7 this town. Ask anyone who was around then. And then those . . . Dodgers came to town. I had to start booking my fights around Dodger games. I hate 'em. When I get up in the morning and see they've lost, it makes my whole day."

2012-01-07T21:45:00.001-08:00

Part 2

Aragon was born in Belen, N. M., on his parents' humble cattle ranch, in 1927. He was the 6th of 13 children. When Papa Aragon realized he had more kids than steers, 2-year-old Art was packed off to an aunt in Albuquerque.

He wound up in East Los Angeles, and was a 1946 graduate of Roosevelt High School. But he'd already been boxing as a professional, under an assumed name, since 1944.

"My heroes then were Boston Blackie and Tyrone Power, so I fought under Blackie Powers," Aragon said.

"In high school, I worked at the Knudsen creamery. I got in a fight one day there, and the boss wouldn't stop it. He liked the way I was whackin' this guy. So I became a fighter, and the boss, Lee Boren, became my manager.

"For six months, I was in his back yard and he taught me how to throw left hooks, jabs, stuff like that.

"I had 13 amateur fights, then I turned pro. But turning pro then, it's not what it's like today. Today, you can turn pro and get a title fight before you've had 10 fights. In those days, there must've been 10,000 fighters in L.A.

"I mean, L.A. was a real fight town. There were fights every night, someplace. Monday was Ocean Park in Santa Monica. The Valley Garden Arena in North Hollywood was Tuesday. The Pasadena Arena was Wednesday. The Olympic was Thursday. Friday was Hollywood Legion Stadium . . .

"I fought 4-rounders for two years. I used to get paid $27 for 4-rounders. Here's how it was: You had 12 or 15 prelim fights and had to show you were ready for semi-mains, or 6-rounders.

"My God, to get a main event, you had to be really good. You had to win all your semi-mains. I didn't get a main event until 1948.

"Eventually, I got up to $10,000 for just about anytime I wanted to fight. And the more I made, the broker I got. I'd get $10,000, see, then two months later I'd be broke again and I'd need another fight.

"Hey, I kid myself a lot about my career. And I'm not sayin' I was great. But I must've been pretty good, right?"

There probably has never been another Los Angeles sports figure who could fill up newspaper library envelopes or photo files the way Arthur Anthony Aragon did.

The photo file: There's Art, leaving a courtroom with one of his former wives. There's Art, in a denim jacket with "L.A. CO. JAIL" stenciled on the breast. There's Art, emerging from a police booking office the morning after a drunken brawl. There are almost as many pictures of Aragon with lawyers as there are boxing pictures.

And the clipping file:

"Wife Sues Aragon Names 15 Women"

Said Aragon: "My first wife named 15 women. My second wife divorced me and named 9 women. My third wife divorced me and named 2 guys."

"Aragon, Salas in Wild Cafe Brawl"

That 1951 clipping reports that Aragon and Lauro Salas, a prominent lightweight at the time, had engaged in an epic fistfight at a Sunset Boulevard Mexican restaurant. Witness accounts had the brawl lasting from 15 to 45 minutes.

"I was in a bad mood," Aragon said in recalling it. "It was New Year's Eve, and I walked into this joint by myself, if you can imagine that. To begin with, I didn't like Salas. He was ugly. And the first guy I see is Salas, with a big grin on that ugly puss of his, with two of the most gorgeous women I ever saw.

"Right away, I'm hot. I wise-cracked him, called him ugly or something. I take off my jacket so I can really pop him one and the . . . waits until my arms are hung up in my sleeves, then he starts whacking me on my head. When I finally got my coat off, I beat him up good."

Later, the two met in the ring, and it was billed as the cafe rematch. Aragon won.

"Aragon Wins Dismissal of Fight-Fix Charges"

Aragon, in 1957, was charged with trying to fix a fight against an opponent named Dick Goldstein. After a trial, he was sentenced to five years in prison. Later, on appeal, the sentenced was overturned and all charges dismissed.

Aragon's explanation: "I signed for a fight in San Antonio with Goldstein for $3,000. I said to him: 'Now listen, if I knock you down, don't be an . . . and get up.' He took that as a bribe attempt.

"The next thing I know, he's testifying at a (boxing) commission meeting, and I'm in court. I did nothing wrong, and it cost me thousands to get out of trouble."

"Aragon Calls Cohen 'Bum' "

Mickey Cohen was a Los Angeles gambler, thought by many to have mob connections. He went to the fights a lot, and liked being photographed with boxers. Including Aragon.

"I'm in court for something in downtown L.A. and Cohen's in court the same day," Aragon said. "Cohen was always hanging around me and he made me nervous. I was afraid of him.

"So some newspaper photographer wants me to pose with Cohen, and I told him I didn't want him photographing me with that bum. He scared me to death.

"So the next day, there's that headline. I nearly died. Cohen sees me the next day in the courthouse hallway and whispers to me: 'You bastard, in the old days I'da cut your heart out.'

2012-01-07T21:41:00.001-08:00

Part 3

Even at the end, at his last fight, when he was beaten badly by Alvaro Gutierrez at the Olympic one night in 1960, Aragon sent everyone home laughing.

As Aragon lay bleeding on his dressing room table, surrounded by trainers and sportswriters, a sheriff's deputy came in and dropped a summons on Aragon's chest.

Aragon lifted his head, looked at the blue document, and dropped his head back.

"That's Art Aragon, for you," he said. "One hundred and 15 fights and 116 summons."

"HelloAragon.

"What're you in for, Mama?

"Prostitution? I'm sorry, Mama, I don't issue bonds to prostitutes. Let me give you a number of a guy to call . . . "

Art, how is it you don't bail out prostitutes?

"I don't bail out prostitutes or bad-check artists," he says. "People like that have no addresses. They don't own anything. They live in their cars. They're on the run all the time. They're runners.

"Prostitutes have cost me a lot of money. I got a soft heart.

"One time a prostitute jumped bail on me, and I had to go look for her. I found her in some crummy apartment. She had a baby, and no money. Not a dime. She'd already cost me $500, see. So she starts crying. She tells me her story, then I start crying. So I gave her 50 bucks and left.

"Soft-hearted, right?"

Art, who are the best risks?

"Bookmakers and narcotics peddlers," he says.

"Bail for a bookmaker is the cheapest in town. See, a bookmaker has to be out by the next race. I'll get a bookmaker out on his wink--or for a good tip on a horse.

"Narcotics guys, they need to get out immediately . For narcotics pushers, time is money. They need that time on the streets. And if he runs, you just go find the addicts. They always know where their source is."

Art, back in the '50s, where did you hang out?

"A place called La Zamba, a little strip joint at Seventh and Alvarado. It was a great place. They had a little stripper there who, I swear, was one of the most beautiful I've ever seen.

"Her name was Lotus Wing. She was a Mexican girl, but looked Chinese.

"One night, I did a dumb thing. I took my wife, Georgia. The lady who owned the place was named Betty. So I introduce her to Georgia, and Betty says: 'Oh, but didn't I just meet you last night here?' "

What about Art Aragon, the fighter?

"I was a 'tweener,' when I fought. I was too big to be a lightweight and too small for welterweight. They didn't have all those junior divisions then. Today, I'd have been a junior welterweight, instead of a junior schmuck.

"Making weight was murder. I hated that more than anything. For my second fight with Jimmy Carter, I had to make 135. I was the first fighter in the history of the sport who had to be carried \o7 into \f7 the ring."

Aragon, in a 1951 upset, beat Carter, the lightweight champion, in a non-title bout at 142 pounds. But in a rematch for the title, at 135, Aragon ran out of gas and lost a decision.

The Golden Boy's reign in Los Angeles came to an end the night Carmen Basilio came to town, Sept. 5, 1958.

The headline said it all:

"Basilio KO Finishes Aragon as Big-Timer"

"In the corner, after the seventh round, my manager says to me: 'Art, if you don't start punching back, I'm going to stop it in the next round.' I said: 'Why wait?' "

That fight drew 22,500 who paid $236,000, a Los Angeles boxing record at the time. The former record had been set at Wrigley Field three weeks earlier, when Floyd Patterson beat Roy Harris in a heavyweight title fight.

Reporters covering the Basilio-Aragon fight described Aragon's handlers carrying his battered body to the dressing room, and carefully laying him on the trainer's table.

"Oh, I think I'm gonna be sick," Aragon moaned.

Then, seeing sportswriters in the room, he said: "Hey, can one of you guys get me a beer? I haven't had a beer in three weeks."

Despite the beating, the interview was on.

Reporter: Art, do you want a rematch with Basilio?

Aragon: Sure, if they let me use a gun.

Reporter: Art, what did you say to the referee when he stopped it?

Aragon: I said: 'How come you're stopping it? I got a no-hitter going.'

The other day, in his office, Aragon remembered Basilio.

"I ran into Basilio about 10 years ago and I said, 'Hey, you're a good guy but, damn it, you gave me brain damage.' "

"Basilio said: 'Whaddya talking about, Aragon. You never had a brain to begin with.' "

A year after the Basilio fight, when Aragon finally retired, Sid Ziff, sports editor and columnist for the old Mirror News, asked Aragon about his plans.

"I'm going to open a big liquor store, play lots of golf, insure myself for plenty, and get held up twice a year," he said.

Of Ziff, Aragon said: "Poor old Sid. You know how dumb he was? He thought I was a great fighter."

In 1953, Elmer Beltz was a marvelous young prospect, a flashy welterweight with a knockout punch. After he had scored six straight knockouts, his handlers decided to throw him in with the Golden Boy.

By 1953, almost everyone hated the Golden Boy. This would be the end of Arrogant Art, many predicted. Our guy Elmer, he'll wipe that sneer off his face.

2012-01-07T21:39:00.001-08:00

Part 4

A few days before the fight, Aragon predicted that he would knock out Beltz with one punch in the first round.

Boo!

Fifty seconds, into Round 1, Aragon hit Beltz on the chin with a right hand and knocked him out.

Boo!

When Jimmy Lennon raised Aragon's hand, Aragon waved at the angry Beltz fans, and sneered.

Boo!

Aragon said in the locker room: "I'd feel sorry for Beltz, except for one thing. There was money at stake."

Boo!

Said Beltz's manager, Bill Gale: "The thing that really gripes me so much is that the . . . did just what he said he would."

Boo!

Aragon, on being an old fighter:

"My last fight (Jan. 21, 1960, at the Olympic) was against Alvaro Gutierrez. My legs were so far gone I was useless.

"In the first round, I gave Gutierrez my best shot, a right hand right on the chin, and I went down. He beat the hell out of me that night.

"Thank God the referee stopped it in the ninth, because I might have been killed in the 10th. You know, I was dizzy for a year after that fight."

At Golden Boy Bail Bonds, a nervous, distraught woman--not the same woman who knew Aragon when--arrives to bail out her son.

"Sit down, honey," Aragon says. He pulls out a tablet of bond forms.

"I've got some serious questions here. What is your name?"

He writes the woman's name on the top line, then sets his pen down. He locks his fingers, stares solemnly at the woman and says: "How long have you been a member of the Communist party?"

Thunderstruck, the woman is speechless. Then Aragon grins and she begins to break up.

Aragon says: "Just try to relax, honey. All we're doing here is getting your boy out of jail. No big deal."

Unpopularity can be lucrative.

Art, how come folks hated you so much?

"Because I beat Enrique Bolanos, on my way up," he said.

"Bolanos was an idol to the Mexican community in Los Angeles. He was a really good fighter, too, and he was an idol of mine when I was coming up. But I beat him bad twice, and they didn't like that.

"I didn't like it much, either. But then I started noticing that the more people hated me, the more they'd pay top dollar to come boo me."

Aragon's record stretches over three columns in the Ring record book. Between 1944 and 1960, he had 115 fights (one was later changed to no decision). He won 97 of them.

In 1951, he fought somebody named El Conscripto.

Art, who was El Conscripto?

"He was some bum from Tijuana somebody dug up, gave him a fancy name. He was supposed to be the champion of some island in the South Pacific. He was just a bum. I knocked him out.

"See, in those days, the idea was to build up the Golden Boy. Make the Golden Boy look good."

Aragon is going through a divorce, his third. Billie Dallum, who owns Aragon's answering service, was divorced two years ago. They'll be married when Aragon's divorce is final.

Billie, how did you meet Art?

"My business is a block away from Art's," she says.

"He signed up for the service and I sent him a notice, telling him that I required the first month's charge in advance.

"Art is not the greatest bookkeeper. He didn't send a check. A month later, I sent him a notice that said payment had to be received in one week or the service would be shut off. A week went by, and I shut him off.

"He called me up and yelled at me over the phone, called me terrible names. I didn't know him at all, and of course I thought he was a horrible man.

"Every time I drove by his office and he saw me, I'd stick my tongue out at him.

"I bought out another answering service, and I was studying the roster of clients and right at the top was Aragon, Art. I sent him a notice saying I would not provide him with service.

"Out of the blue, he walks right into my office one day, sits down and says to me: 'All right, is it money you want or my body?'

"Well, I nearly fell out of my chair. Then he said he wouldn't pay his bill unless I had coffee with him. We became great friends immediately. He's such a funny man, you can't help but like him."

Aragon starts talking about the memories, and his eyes glisten.

"You know, what I remember even more than my fights and all the boos when I fought, was the nights I'd go to the Olympic with some broad, just to watch a fight.

"Remember, in those days, I owned this town. It was just me and the Rams then. And all I had to do was just walk down the aisle to my seat. Right away, the boos would start coming down from the balcony.

"By the time I'd reach my seat, they'd have to stop the fight until everyone settled down. The entire crowd would be on its feet, booing.

"I loved it. I do miss that."

Aragon /Basilio

2012-01-06T05:37:00.001-08:00

Aragon/Basilio..

"I could use him again," said George Parnassus. "You don't kill Aragon just because he doesn't win. He's good for more fights. Wait a few months and he'll talk about how he had Basilio hanging on. I could match him with a lot of Welterweights and middleweights and keep him busy." "You got to shoot him with a pistol to finish him off. He's got more lives then Houdini." Aragon was sitting on a table in a dressing room at Wrigley Field. He had exchanged his ring clothes for a black silk suit. The abrasions and contusions above and below his eyes were hidden by dark glasses. He had just taking a beating that would have caused a lesser ego to lay down and weep. Not Art Aragon. "Before I left home I said I thought I'd take in a fight. But it was lousy. I should have stayed home."

Exit Art, Laughing

2012-01-06T05:14:00.001-08:00

September 15, 1958

Life was a gag, despite Basilio and a Texas process server

James Murray
SI Magazine

Some years ago the prizefighter Art Aragon delivered himself of the blistering opinion that his chosen profession was a cruel and dirty business and he would quit it in a second if he could think of some other way of making a living without working.

The fight crowd held its sides and laughed hollowly. That Art was a great kidder, always making with the funnies, was the interpretation. Everybody knew Art was living the rich, good life. He had a fancy home, a wife, a car, three kids. He even had his own radio show.

Nobody liked to bask in the glory of the ring more than Art. He loved to swagger in front of the crowds between fights when he would be introduced as "Golden Boy," his curly locks carefully coifed, his hard young body swathed in silk, and his wrists and neck dangling enough bangles to keep a Ubangi tribe happy.

Art had it made, had everything a man could want, in the view of his associates. He liked a few drinks of expensive whisky before dinner and a few after, for that matter. Some of his most spectacular fights were refereed by bartenders. The opponent once turned out to be a cop—which took a lot of the fun out of it.

Art loved show people and show business, of which he considered himself a part. He loved the fast banter of the borscht circuit comedian and soon picked it up and became expert at it. He would rather make a joke than win a fight, and he could always talk faster than he could punch. Unfortunately, the contests in the ring weren't debates or "can you top this?" but elemental struggles of strength. Art was not completely hopeless at this but, all things considered, he would rather play it for comedy, and on the occasions he was called upon to practice his craft legitimately one of two things would happen: a) he would get knocked half senseless by someone more proficient than he—a description applying to more than half the prizefighters extant; or b) he would wind up so badly cut that his classic profile looked more like a Polynesian death mask than a matinee idol.

But Art shrewdly babied his reputation along by having fights in between where neither eventuality was in prospect. He did this often in out-of-town dates, places like Albuquerque, N.Mex. where he was born, or San Bernardino, where he had driven through in his gaudy Cadillac. He took these bouts on condition that he could bring his own opponent. It's usual in such cases for fighters to bring their own brothers—or their mothers if they can get away with it. Art usually brought an old school chum name of Joey Barnum. Art even loved the joke when the wags suggested he should change his name to Bailey.

Art's antics inevitably cost him his marriage when he began indiscreetly showing up at sporting events with young ladies who were definitely not sparring partners. Then, a year and a half ago his good life almost came crashing down around his cauliflowered ears when a judge sentenced him to one to five years for trying to bring his own opponent, fully briefed and rehearsed, to Texas for a fight. Art was up to his cut eyebrows in debt when the appellate court reversed the decision and the district attorney's office did not press for a rematch.

Art then knew he was stuck with the fight game at least until he could bail out. He desperately needed that one more big pay night. Time was running out, alimony was imminent, and Art had to cash in at least one more big pot before leaving the game.

Aragon's matchmakers came up with a daring plan. Carmen Basilio, a swarthy brawler with a face like the sharp edge of a machete and fists to match, needed a fight. He had just had two ferocious meetings with Sugar Ray, he had got an "eye" in the last one, and (they told the public) he just might be exhausted as a front-line contender. Even his style, wide-open, wild-swinging, might be made to order for Art. On a note of high optimism, the fight was made. Art promptly moved out to the desert of San Jacinto to train and promised faithfully to stay away from the fleshpots for the six weeks before fight night. Characteristically, when he slipped into town he didn't do it quietly. He was observed trying to warm up pitchers in the Dodgers' bullpen one night, and he dropped in at a watering place where he ran into his lawyer-manager on another. All his friends doubled up with laughter.

Art lived it up with the press. What especially was he working on in camp, one writer wanted to know. "Self-defense!" Art told him artlessly. "If you were going to fight Basilio, what would you be working on?" When he met Basilio at the weighing-in, Carmen asked him idly how things were going. "Not so good," groaned Art. "Both my wife and my girl friend are here."

Only one thing went according to plan. Despite the fact the fight went on at 7 p.m. to satisfy eastern televiewers, Wrigley Field was nearly full, 22,500 fans paying a record California gate of $236,521.10.

Art was in the ring a full 15 minutes before the main event. He wasn't nervous; there was a process server from Texas hovering around the dressing-room area. Art is being sued for not going through with the fight which ultimately brought him in court on bribery charges.

The crowd had come not in the hopes Aragon could beat Basilio but hoping he could give him a fight. Alas, Aragon, never very good, was just a shell of his former mediocre self. His timing was off. His left hook, which he can deliver only after taking a stance like a batter waiting for a pitch, bounced harmlessly off Basilio's face. And Basilio was relentless. A man who disdains a jab when a roundhouse hook will do, he was belting Aragon to the body with a back-swing as long as Sammy Snead's off the tee, and his fists were sinking wrist-deep in Art's middle. Two girls in row four were wincing with Aragon. "But Art's in shape," ventured one hopefully. The other girl was derisive. "You can't overcome 14 years with 6 weeks of training," she said significantly. In the ring the bell rang and Art paused, blinked and swayed to his corner. He looked at his handlers as though to say, "Well, you got me into this. What now?"

There was no out. Aragon, his back arched like a Gila monster, sought to defuse Basilio's bombs by working inside. This suited Carmen fine. He gave Art no respite until one of the wild cluster of blows Basilio was aiming fell low. Art promptly declared a holiday himself and assumed the duties of the referee, waving Basilio off while he grimaced in a corner. Basilio, unused to a character like Aragon, was under the impression for a minute his opponent had quit. The referee rushed in and, to Aragon's evident lack of enthusiasm, the battle was joined again.

As the rounds went on, Aragon assumed more and more the role of punching bag. His face was torn and bleeding. The girls in row four and, a little farther down, Cheryl Crane, daughter of Lana Turner, couldn't look. "But look at Basilio's face!" cried one. "It's got bumps on it." " Basilio's face was born that way," disillusioned the other.

Occasionally, Aragon lashed out and tried to drive his tormentor off him. But it was useless. Basilio was pitching a shutout. Aragon was just catching it. And he wasn't missing a pitch. Basilio couldn't have hit a bag more accurately. "Yah! Robbie took the fight outta that guy!" jeered one spectator. "I'd a hated to see him before." Joe Louis, at ringside, was one of those who joined in the laugh.

Art went out in the eighth round with neither a whimper nor a bang, just a sense of inescapability. A towel fluttered in the ring but caught on the ring ropes. It didn't matter. Referee Tommy Hart stopped it anyway. Art didn't even permit himself the theatrics of protest but wandered wearily to his corner.

In the dressing room afterward, Basilio explained: "In that last round, I wasn't trying to take him out with a punch. He was cut real bad and he was hurt plenty. I felt kind of sorry for him. Besides he was all elbows then and I didn't want to hurt my hand. He's a tough boy and he's got guts, but he just wasn't as fast as I thought he was."

In his dressing room, the ex-Golden Boy sat relaxed on a table, fully dressed, dark glasses over his cruelly cut eyes. When told what Basilio said, he grinned at the press. "I wasn't as fast as I thought I was," he joked. His trainer, Lee Boren, held forth. "I told Art at the end of the seventh round, I wanted to stop it," he explained. "And he said no." Art looked up, idly curious. "I wonder why," he said wide-eyed.

The reporters laughed. "Actually," quipped Art, "he said, 'Could we stop the fight?' and I said, 'Please do. Be my guest.' " The press laughed again. Did Art think he could go 12 rounds? was the question. "I was all right," shot back Art. "Only I kept wondering why they had let it go 47 rounds." Boren shushed him quickly. "These are eastern writers," he said reproachfully. "Oh, all right, 45 rounds," sighed Art. He added, "Maybe I should stick to welterweights. They don't punch as often."

At that, Art's battles weren't over. "Anybody got the time?" he asked quickly. "8:15," came the answer. "The night's young," said Aragon brightening up. "Anybody know where there's some action?" What did you say before the fight, Art was asked. "I left home and said I thought I'd go take in a fight," said Art. "But it was lousy. I should of stayed home."

He surveyed the reporters. "Will you guys do me a favor?" he suddenly demanded. The reporters looked uncomfortable. "What do you want us to do, Art?" asked one. "I want you to commit yourselves first," commanded Art. The press nodded miserably. "O.K.," said Art. "There's a knothole from Texas outside and need I say more? He's gonna serve me with papers which will hold up $20,000 of my end of the purse. I want you guys to block for me while I heel-and-toe outta here. Actually, he's only a bantamweight."

The reporters shrugged and crowded out of the room. It was impossible to tell whether they were really aiding Aragon or whether the quarters were so cramped no other course was possible. Aragon rushed out behind his interference.

" Art Aragon, summons and complaint!" bellowed the process server, lunging for the fighter. Aragon fled down the stairs from the dressing room to the ball park concourse. A knot of a couple of hundred fans began to cheer. Then their jaws gaped open. Here came their hero flying down the stairs in wild flight from a fattish, hysterical man, waving papers. What made Artie run was not decipherable to his fans. But run Art did. Out into the night, between parked cars, weaving through the crowds of fans streaming out of the park. "Hey, Art," said one baffled observer, " Basilio's gone." But Art didn't stop to joke. He fled. The summons-server was in hot pursuit. But Art's footwork was improved. He disappeared into the night, coat-tails flying in undignified rout.

In another part of the park, Telecaster Gil Stratton spotted Mrs. Aragon. "How did you like the fight?" he asked innocently. Georgia looked at him. "Fine," she said evenly. "Just fine."

Floyd Mayweather Jr. reportedly to accept plea bargain

2011-12-21T11:45:00.000-08:00

A Las Vegas newspaper says the boxer will plead guilty to misdemeanor counts in an incident involving a girlfriend.

By Lance Pugmire

December 20, 2011

Boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. will reportedly accept a plea bargain to avoid a felony conviction in connection with a domestic violence case involving the mother of three of his children, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported Tuesday.

Calls to Mayweather and his representatives were not returned.

Clark County (Nev.) District Attorney David Roger told the newspaper that Mayweather on Wednesday will plead guilty to one count of battery domestic violence and two counts of harassment, all misdemeanors. Mayweather is subject to $3,000 in fines and a jail sentence ranging from two days to 18 months, the newspaper reported.

Mayweather, 34, originally faced felony charges for his alleged attack against girlfriend Josie Harris and his treatment of the children after reportedly learning Harris was dating another man in September 2010.

The conclusion of Mayweather's criminal case helps promoters move forward with plans to stage a super-fight next year between Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.

Pacquiao's promoter, Bob Arum, told The Times that Mayweather's legal case has created uncertainty because of a possible trial date and how much jail time he could serve if convicted. Arum still cautioned, "I have no idea what's going to happen. We'll see tomorrow. So let's wait until tomorrow."

Arum said a likely date for the mega-fight between the sport's top two fighters would be in June. Arum said he's pursuing the idea of building a 45,000-seat venue on the Las Vegas Strip near the Wynn and Venetian properties. Arum said the additional time will assist the construction plan, even though Mayweather's advisor previously said he's cleared May 5 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas for a fight date against Pacquiao.

"That's Cinco de Mayo and too early," said Arum of the May 5 date; he added that fight talks won't take place during the holiday break.

lance.pugmire@latimes.com

Manuel Ortiz

2011-12-19T16:40:00.001-08:00

Words don't hurt Antonio Margarito

2011-12-01T03:49:00.001-08:00

Margarito, who was suspended for having plaster in his hand wraps, has a rematch with Miguel Cotto at Madison Square Garden on Saturday.

By Lance Pugmire

November 30, 2011

Reporting from New York — At this point, Antonio Margarito realizes he's not going to change anyone's opinion about whether he knew there was plaster inside his hand wraps before a title fight in 2009 — which led to him being suspended from boxing.

If fans wants to think of him as a "criminal," as his Saturday-night opponent Miguel Cotto does, then so be it.

"Here comes a criminal, open the doors for the criminal," Margarito said Wednesday, his first words upon being introduced at a Madison Square Garden news conference for his junior-middleweight title bout against Cotto. "They say I'm not a gentleman, not a great person. I don't know why they say that."

Those closest to the "Tijuana Tornado" say Margarito (38-7, 27 KOs) doesn't care much about what others think.

The controversy dates to January 2009, when the California State Athletic Commission removed plaster-caked inserts from inside Margarito's hand wraps before his welterweight title defense against Shane Mosley at Staples Center. Margarito denied knowing his gloves were loaded, but his license was revoked for a year.

Some in the boxing community also wondered if Margarito had used loaded gloves five months earlier when he knocked out then-unbeaten champion Cotto in their July 2008 bout.

Certainly, Margarito is likely to be booed unmercifully Saturday at Madison Square Garden by supporters by of the popular Puerto Rican star Cotto (36-2, 29 KOs), who is defending his WBA junior-middleweight title.

"It's been going on for more than two years now," said Robert Garcia, Margarito's trainer. "If anything, those people saying negative things about him motivates him to do better."

Margarito's promoter Bob Arum said his Mexican fighter's tough attitude defines his come-forward fighting style. However, that style didn't serve Margarito well in losses to Mosley or to Manny Pacquiao in November 2010.

But it convinced Arum to invest what he said was more than $1 million to fight legal challenges for Margarito to regain his boxing license. Arum also paid for Margarito's cataract surgery in May after Pacquiao broke an orbital bone.

Margarito, 33, said he is healthy and expects to beat Cotto, 31, again. Margarito says a win in their rematch will prove that his 11th-round knockout of Cotto in 2008 wasn't spoiled by loaded gloves.

"He'll feel my power," Margarito said. "I fight clean. Cotto will see that. I'll impose my strength on him."

Margarito also said that Cotto's lack of interest in moving their bout to a different state if Margarito couldn't get a license in New York showed "he's just a big baby."

"He feels an advantage here [in New York]. He needs that security. I don't understand that. It makes me believe, 'Does he really want this fight?' " Margarito said.

When told Cotto will try to exploit Margarito's weakened eye, the challenger said, "There's a lot of anger. A lot of hatred. Someone will be hurt in this fight."

Things were so testy at the news conference that Arum stood between Cotto and Margarito as they posed for typical face-off pictures.

"He can hit at my eye as much as he wants, he hits like a little girl," Margarito said.

Cotto answered, "Say that in the ring."

Then Cotto defended his use of the word "criminal" in describing Margarito: "You can look it up in the dictionary. It's someone who uses a weapon. You're an embarrassment to boxing."

Like Arum said last week when New York gave Margarito a boxing license: "We have a fight!"

lance.pugmire@latimes.com

Joey Barnum

2011-11-22T05:31:00.000-08:00

Manager and ex-fighter, Joey Barnum came out of retirement, circa 1949 to beat his fighter, Mario Trigo after they argued in the gym.

Junior Golden Gloves Finals 1964

2011-11-21T19:02:00.000-08:00

I had Romulo Ventura fighting Andy “The Hawk” Price in the finals of the 1964 Junior golden Gloves at the Valley Garden Arena. Both were 12 years old. Andy got in the ring first, we made our way to the ring, Romulo started his climb up the stairs, he puts one leg over the bottom rope and he saw Andy shadow boxing and looking like a miniature Sugar Ray Robinson, Romluo turned around and looked me in the eye and said to me: “I don't feel like fighting tonight after all”.
I gave Romulo a shove into the ring and told him: “he looks pretty, but can he fight?” Romulo fought that night and gave Andy a good scrap losing by decision.

Alvarez breaks fellow champion's jaw

2011-10-26T13:07:00.003-07:00

The Boxing Tribune
Paul Magno

Oct 26, 2011

Tuesday in Guadalajara, Mexico, WBC junior middleweight champ Saul Alvarez and 108-pound titlist Ulises Solis were involved in an altercation that left the smaller fighter with a broken jaw and a cracked tooth.

According to Solis, the incident began while both fighters were doing their road work and Alvarez confronted him.

“I ran into Alvarez after training and I moved to the side to let him pass,” Solis told El Universal newspaper, “but he ran into me. He asked me, ‘Why are you messing with my woman?’ I told him that I don’t even know her and all of a sudden he hit me with a left and right cross that fractured my jaw. I fell back and he hit me with two more punches — to the temple and the chest.”

Solis’ brother ran to help and took the fighter to the hospital for evaluation and then to the local authorities to file a complaint.

The fighter is set to undergo surgery shortly and will miss his scheduled title defense in December.

Alvarez, in a statement made to the media shortly after the incident, denied being the aggressor and indicated that it was actually his brother who had attacked the junior flyweight star.

Manny Pacquiao training harder than usual

2011-10-19T03:54:00.001-07:00

Pacquiao doesn't want his third fight against Juan Manuel Marquez left in the hands of the judges.
Manny Pacquiao

By Lance Pugmire
October 18, 2011

The man who has watched boxers prepare for fights since the 1960s approached the trainer of the sport's current king and expressed some cautionary words.

"Slow him down, Freddie," veteran fight promoter Bob Arum said near the sweat-soaked ring in Hollywood.

It's there where Manny Pacquiao has returned to train under Freddie Roach for the final four weeks before his third fight against bitter rival Juan Manuel Marquez on Nov. 12 in Las Vegas.

"Slow him down," Arum repeated.

Almost from the moment the fight was announced, there have been concerns about properly pacing Pacquiao, who didn't even wait for the introductory news conference in the Philippines to start running.

Pacquiao, 32, is telling those close to him he doesn't want this fight in the hands of the judges after his prior battles with Marquez resulted in a 2004 draw and a 2008 Pacquiao victory by split-decision. The decisive score was a one-point margin.

He wants the knockout, and Roach says, "That's what we're training him for."

But there's danger in peaking too early, of working so hard in the first month-plus of training that the body inevitably fatigues in the final weeks before a fight.

"We're way ahead of where we usually are, like 75-80% of where we should be by fight night," Roach said. "We're usually around 50% right now. I have to make sure we don't overdo it."

Pacquiao (53-3-2, 38 knockouts) grinned his way through being questioned about his fervent effort to get ready for the 38-year-old Marquez.

"I'm focusing on my strength and speed," Pacquiao said. "They're watching my body, so I don't become too big. I control my training, step by step, until the time comes to fight. I want to be gradual in my training."

Pacquiao's words aren't matching his actions, conditioning coach Alex Ariza says. Pacquiao and Ariza had an occasionally animated conversation in the ring last week. Ariza said he convinced Pacquiao that drills to build up strength in the feet and legs are more important at this juncture than upper-body strength training.

"He wants to be as big as he was against Miguel Cotto," Ariza said of Pacquiao's last knockout two years ago — which has been followed by three consecutive unanimous decisions versus larger opponents. "But Cotto was the equivalent of a linebacker, and Marquez is a free safety.

"I think he just wants to kill Marquez."

Pacquiao has never forgiven Marquez (53-5-1, 39 KOs) for not only complaining incessantly after the 2008 loss, but traveling to the Philippines to wear T-shirts saying he was robbed of victory and pleading for a third fight.

"This fight," Pacquiao said, "will be the answer to all those doubts."

lance.pugmire@latimes.com

Franco Thomas, Jimmy Lennon Sr and Frankie Baltazar...Olympic Auditorium, Dec. 7 1978

2011-10-17T12:22:00.000-07:00

Tim Bradley is closer to Manny Pacquiao with move to Top Rank

2011-10-10T19:37:00.001-07:00

The 28-year-old boxer signed with Bob Arum's promotions company and could be in line eventually to face Pacquiao. Bradley is on the undercard for Pacquiao's Nov. 12 bout in Las Vegas.

By Bill Dwyre

October 10, 2011.

Think of boxing's quest for fame and fortune as a game of musical chairs. Recently, the song stopped and Tim Bradley quickly sat down.

The 28-year-old fire hydrant, a 140-pounder from Palm Springs with lightning-quick hands and feet, signed with Top Rank Promotions. That's Bob Arum's company, and 46 years after he quit being a Harvard lawyer and found Muhammad Ali, Arum's is still the logo you want on your boxing gloves.

Bradley had been with Gary Shaw's promotions, but when his contract ran out this summer, Bradley ran out too. Right to Arum.

And once that happened, the never-ending game of Who's Got Next increased in intrigue.

Boxing these days is like a Depression food line. Everybody queues up, waiting for Manny Pacquiao to hand out the bread. A fight with Pacquiao is an instant retirement plan, usually both financially and physically. Get in the ring with him, last as many rounds as you can without being totally embarrassed, then climb into the Brink's truck and ride away while they stitch up your eyes, nose and mouth and ask whether you remember your wife's name.

To a man, any fighter weighing anything close to Pacquiao's favored 147 pounds, and having shown indications that he can limit his bleeding to less than a pint and return punches long enough to justify $3,000 ringside seats, wants into the lineup. They all say the same thing. They want to fight the best, which Pacquiao is. But what they really mean is: "Show Me the Money."

Arum is nothing if not clever, even devious.

He says he has not promised Bradley a Pacquiao fight, nor even mentioned his name to Pacquiao. That's probably true.

But he quickly made Bradley the semi-main event for Pacquiao's Nov. 12 fight at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas against Juan Manuel Marquez, who has proved, indeed, in his two previous fights with Pacquiao that he can last awhile and bleed a lot. On the undercard, Bradley will fight Joel Casamayor, the Cuban who defected to the United States just before the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta and has had a nice capitalistic career ever since. His record is 38-5-1, and he has fought only three times since his biggest payday, a knockout at the hands of Marquez on Sept. 13, 2008.

The two pertinent things about Casamayor, relative to this fight, are that he is 40 and left-handed. Pacquiao is left-handed. Fill in the blanks.

Bradley gives Arum another option, as he masterfully delivers a couple of $20-million paydays each year to Pacquiao, who then fits them in between his duties as a congressman in the Philippines. For Pacquiao, the boxing world wants Floyd Mayweather Jr. Sadly, so do several judges in Las Vegas, where Floyd is accused of sucker-punching more than just Victor Ortiz.

"Floyd may have the biggest fight of his life ahead," says Arum, referring to several assault charges Mayweather faces. He says it with the look of a concerned parent. The proper reaction is to suppress a giggle.

If Pacquiao fights Mayweather, it will come to pass because there is so much money at stake that it can't be rejected. But if Arum goes to his grave never having put on the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight, he will certainly rest in peace. He once promoted Mayweather, through much of his early success. But that didn't end well and now Arum speaks in amazement at what has become of his former client.

"First of all, he is a terrific fighter," Arum says. "At one point, he appeared to be a good guy. But then, his people [handlers after he left Arum] got this idea to make him into a villain. They thought they could attract an audience that comes to see him get beat. Let me tell you. It's tough to promote a villain."

Bradley is the countervillain. He is well-spoken, friendly, accommodating and unbeaten in 27 fights.

Arum says, "Our goal is to make Tim Bradley one of the major stars in boxing. We know he is one of the best fighters, but that doesn't make him a star."

Todd DuBoeff, Arum's stepson and the president of Top Rank, says of Bradley, "He has marketability and ability." In a recent media gathering, Bradley spoke for about 10 minutes and DuBoeff said later that he "lights up the room." Which he did.

So, with Bradley, the line to Pacquiao just got longer.

Mayweather is the obvious first choice, but Miguel Cotto and Antonio Margarito might like another shot, despite the beatings they took by Pacquiao. Circumstances could give the shot to Amir Khan, Andre Berto or Marcos Maidana. Erik Morales could find his way back to Pacquiao, though the public probably wouldn't buy that. Saul Alvarez is Golden Boy's hot fighter right now, but he'd have to lose lots of weight, as would impressive middleweight Sergio Martinez, who says he could and would get down to 154 or lower, to fight Pacquiao.

The permutations are endless. The line snakes around the block. Arum loves it.

Touching gloves with…Sammy Goss

2011-10-07T06:56:00.000-07:00

by Dan Hanley

In the summer of ‘73 during a series of telecasts on ABC from New York’s Felt Forum, I was introduced to the east coast’s version of Mexican featherweight warfare. And I was absolutely smitten with the rampaging style of Sammy Goss as I watched this ’sure thing’ in action on those Saturday afternoons. Catching up with Sammy takes me back to the days of network TV and the efforts displayed which drew rabid crowds into unforgiving arenas of attrition. Good times.

DH: Sammy, you’re originally from Trenton, New Jersey, is that right?

SG: Born and bred and still here to this day.

DH: You’ve got quite the family background in boxing. Tell me about it.

SG: Well, my Dad was Jesse Goss. He was a fighter and eventually a trainer. As a matter of fact he trained Ike Williams back in the day. I started boxing around the age of 6 or 7 and all my brothers boxed. But boxing was not just in the family but also in the entire neighborhood. Everything was about boxing.

DH: How old were you when you formally started?

SG: I was 15. My father brought me down to the Trenton PAL to Percy Richardson for instruction.

DH: You had a remarkable amateur career. What are your stats?

SG: Well, I came along very fast. I was 5 time N.J. Golden Glove champ, 5 time state AAU champ, 1965 National AAU flyweight champ, 1968 National AAU bantamweight champ and 1968 National Golden Glove runnerup, losing in the finals to Earl Large of New Mexico.

DH: Now didn’t the AAU title grant you a berth at the ‘68 Olympic Trials?

SG: Yes it did. And in the finals of the trials I beat Earl Large. However, since I had lost to him recently in the Nationals it was decided we had to have a boxoff. So I beat him again for the bantamweight spot on the 1968 Olympic team.

DH: Tell me about Mexico City 1968.

SG: I would have had to win 5 fights to medal in the tournament, I received a bye in the 1st round and the second round I was fighting an eastern European. Now remember, Percy Richardson was not in my corner. I got to that point with Percy Richardson, who knew my style. In the Olympics we all had the National Coach, who was Pappy Gault. In the first round of my bout I had my opponent hurt bad but when I got back to my corner Gault jumped all over me. He wanted me to go to the body and nothing but. Well, he’s the coach and I had to do as I was told but I had to try and get under and in there and ate nothing but jabs trying to get in. He just kept popping me as I bore in and I lost the decision. That was all for me and I went pro after that.

DH: Who did you turn pro with?

SG: Well, Percy Richardson of course along with Frank Cariello were my trainers and I was managed by Pinny Schaeffer and Pat Duffy. We were together from beginning to end and we had the best time. (laughing) Those crazy guys could joke, let me tell you.

DH: You were up and down the eastern seaboard after turning pro. Maine, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts. Was it an issue getting fights for you?

SG: Well, I was taking the fights as they were coming to me, but then we hooked up with Promoter Russell Peltz in Philadelphia. And now, although I still lived in Trenton, I would take the train into Philly on weekends for some real serious sparring.

DH: I take it you were introduced to the Philadelphia gym wars?

SG: Oh man, you had to be on your toes. Sparring in Philly, to me, meant working on defense because every sparring partner was looking to beat on me in order to make a reputation for himself.

DH: You were a very busy fighter. In a year and half after turning pro you were 18-1 and went into a fight which smacked of old school rivalry. You and Augie Pantellas had been making a lot of noise out of Philly. In fact, Marty Feldman, Pantellas’ trainer, said that this had been brewing for two years. Tell me about the fight.

SG: Well, you’re right, this really was a rivalry. We packed them into the Philadelphia Spectrum that night, which was one of my best paydays. I don’t recall the figures but I remember I made enough to put a down payment on a house. As for Augie Pantellas, he was a puncher and this was going to be a very tough fight if I fought him the same way. But during training I watched the tape of the Sugar Ray Robinson - Jake LaMotta title fight every single night. I copied the same moves. I boxed, I spun him and countered him and took an easy decision.

DH: Were you aware that Promoter Lou Lucchese offered to bring lightweight champ Ken Buchanan to Philly to fight the winner in a non-title?

SG: I was not. And obviously I never heard anymore about it. See, Lucchese was more Pantellas’ promoter, whereas I was affiliated with Russell Peltz. But Buchanan would have been too big for me anyway. I was comfortable between 126-130.

DH: Your next fight set you back a bit. That was one bad dude you fought in Ricardo Arredondo. Does the fact that he would become world champ less than a year later suggest that you may have been overmatched at this stage of your career?

SG: Yes, he was far more polished than I was.

DH: Were you ‘in’ the fight at all?

SG: No, to tell you the truth, he was picking me off coming in. He had reach on me and could hit. But it was a learning experience.

DH: Several fights later you had a similar result against Jose Luis Lopez, getting stopped in 6. Was it simply a case of having a problem solving the Mexican style?

SG: Yeah, it was the same thing. He was a tall guy and he caught me with an uppercut. But we rematched about a year later and I had it down. I made him chase me, boxed and took the fight easily. See, the first fight I was going after him and walking into the shots.

DH: It does seem like you had it figured out with a two round blowout of Raul Cruz in your next fight. But thinking of some of these Mexican fighters made me wonder why you never relocated to the west coast for more work.

SG: I suppose I should have but Russell Peltz was bringing in the talent for me, so I didn’t have any complaints.

DH: In March of ‘73 you fought for the first and only time in Madison Square Garden. A 12 rounder against Walter Seeley. It was a brilliant win, but whatever happened to Garden matchmaker Teddy Brenner’s promise of an October title fight for the winner at the Garden against featherweight champ Ernesto Marcel?

SG: Don’t know. Nothing ever came of it. Of course, like Lucchese and Pantellas in Philly, the Garden was Seeley’s promoter.

DH: Jose Fernandez of the Dominican Republic was coming off of a tremendous result over in Europe when you beat him at the Felt Forum. Then you rematched on National TV for the newly created American Jr. Lightweight title. Tell me about the fight.

SG: Everything was right that night. He came right at me, I boxed, I punched. I couldn’t miss.

DH: The following month you were back on the air against undefeated Edwin Viruet. But you came in as a late substitute for Chango Carmona. Were you ready for this fight?

SG: I was staying in shape, so yes, I was ready and won a close decision.

DH: There was some controversey over your 8th round knockdown, wasn’t there?

SG: (laughing) Yeah, I caught him good with a leaping left hook, but he couldn’t pull away because I came down on his foot. He was a good fighter but I beat him with body punches.

DH: At this time you were Ring Magazine’s #1 contender for the 130 lb. title. What kind of efforts were there to get you a title shot?

SG: I know Russell Peltz was working on it but the only one we heard from was Ricardo Arredondo offering us a non-title fight. I was the #1 contender, I wasn’t going to go for that.

DH: For the first time in your career you took time off. It was seven months before you fought again and looked very ring rusty against a club fighter. Why the inactivity?

SG: I think it was a combination of me needing a rest and them working on a title fight.

DH: In August of ‘74 you signed to defend your American title in an all-Philly affair with undefeated rival Tyrone Everett. I understand the fight reeked of bad blood. Tell me about it.

SG: Tyrone was saying a lot of nasty things in the press, which really angered me and I was responding to it, which really heated things up. As for the fight, he dropped me around the 3rd round. I then began doing well with body punches but then he began running and boxing on the retreat. Percy was telling me between rounds to chase him and I was saying, “I’ll chase him but I don’t know if I can catch him.” And he won the fight. Afterwards Tyrone shook hands with me and apologized for the things he was saying and that it was just to hype the fight and pump up the gate.

Goss (right) seen here dropping Raul Cruz.

DH: After that fight you began fighting on the road more. You fought Flipper Uehara over in Japan and held him to a draw. He was one of Japan’s hotshots at the time. How do you perceive the draw?

SG: That was no draw. I gave him one severe body beating. He came up to me after the fight and said, “I never fought anybody that hit to the body like you.”

DH: Something happened around this time that really bummed me out. You started losing to guys you had once dominated such as Jose Fernandez and Augie Pantellas. Were you spent after such a long amateur and pro career?

SG: I really think I was. I was just tired by that point.

DH: While on the road you fought twice in South Africa when apartheid was at its height. How were you treated over there?

SG: Oh, I was treated alright, like one of their own. I had no issues. As for my two fights over there, the first fight was against ‘Happy Boy’ Mgxaji and I thought I beat him. From bell to bell I pounded his body but they gave it to him. My fight with Brian Baronet was also my last. In the 7th round I was hit with a right and something happened to me. I went down and just sat there and let them count me out. Percy asked me afterwards what happened and I told him that my head felt like a bottle of coca-cola after you shook it up. I felt something rushing to the top of my head. It was enough. And I never fought again.

DH: What have you been doing with yourself over the years?

SG: I have been running the Goss & Goss Gym in Trenton along with my brothers Barry and Tommy. We’re giving kids the same chance we had.

DH: Sammy, if there was one fight you wanted that you never got an opportunity at, what would it be?

SG: A third fight with Augie Pantellas.

DH: Whooa! I thought for sure you were going to say a title fight with Ben Villaflor or Kuniaki Shibata.

SG: (laughing) Nope! I felt I beat him again in our rematch. I wanted a third fight with Augie Pantellas to set things straight.

DH: Sammy, last question, while we’ve been talking I’ve been noticing that fighters you beat such as Jose Marin, Jose Fernandez and Edwin Viruet along with fighters you felt you beat such as Flipper Uehara and Happy Boy Mgxaji all received title shots sometime after fighting you. Where was the justice?

SG: Really? All of them? Well, I don’t know how those guys made out in life, but I’m healthy, have all my senses, have my family and my own home from my ring earnings. So…maybe I did OK.

Alas, in the fight game, fate can be a cruel bitch. She provides amateur silverware to adorn the shelves, grants Olympian status to enhance the transition to pro and even bestows the ranking of #1 contender for world laurels. Yet, obstinately withholds the elusive shot at that very same world title. Cruel indeed. However, cruel fate has left no malice in the heart of Sammy Goss as he teaches the very same sport which left him marooned from the brass ring. For that alone I say, way to go champ.

See ya next round

Dan Hanley
pugnut23@yahoo.com

Tony Baltazar v Roger Mayweather

2011-09-27T15:05:00.001-07:00

Art "Golden Boy" Aragon

2011-09-24T04:22:00.000-07:00

In spite of the obvious contempt which the greater portion of latin fans hold for him, Art already has been successful in swaying there emotions. It has only happened once and possibly will never happen again. That was when he faced Jimmy Carter for the crown. Sweating off valuable pounds from a body rippling with lean muscles so as to make the weight limit, Art blew his chances for success. But he fought one of the most valiant he-man matches ever seen on the coast. He was punished severly, he hit the canvas twice and the easiness by which Carter maneuvered around him made Art look sick. When the much -one-sided tiff came to an end Aragon's granite-like jaw almost rubbed his chest admitting defeat. Just before leaving the ring exploded the sweetest music ever heard by Aragon. The fight mob, sensing they had seen a hero in action, let go with a tremendous roar of effection for the man they had despised for so long. But Aragon couldn't take that standing up. He sat in his corner stool. Then he wept, he sobbed shaking in convulsions like a broken child..

Frank, The Aragon/Carter title fight will be 60 years ago this November 14.

Paul

----------------------------------------------------

I was there...I seen a very courageous fighter that night in Art Aragon....Art beat Carter in an earlier fight at a higher weight, but at 135 he was out of the fight after four rounds, he lasted the fifteen rounds just on courage and pride...Art was a very proud fighter at a time when fighters carried themselves like stars, and stars they were...I could have called him a great warrior, but I hate that word, seems to me like that word is overuse this days...

Frank

Floyd Mayweather basks in aftermath of knockout of Victor Ortiz

2011-09-18T19:05:00.000-07:00

Outspoken fighter, 34, says the decisive punch that caught his 24-year-old opponent off guard right after the referee gave the OK to resume fighting was the result of his vast experience.
Floyd Mayweather

Floyd Mayweather celebrates his fourth-round knockout victory over Victor Ortiz on Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. (Steve Marcus / Reuters

By Lance Pugmire, Los Angeles Times

September 18, 2011

Floyd Mayweather Jr. enhanced his villainous image by the way he registered a fourth-round knockout of Victor Ortiz on Saturday night.

By striking the instant he was allowed to punch after referee Joe Cortez stopped action to deduct a point from Ortiz for a head butt, Mayweather landed a left hand to Ortiz's face that stunned the welterweight champion from Ventura.

With Cortez and Ortiz caught off guard, Mayweather (42-0, 26 knockouts) then finished the fight with a devastating straight right hand to Ortiz's jaw that sent the 24-year-old to la-la land.

"I spaced a bit," said Ortiz, who asked Mayweather for a rematch, contending the punches were "not fair."

Mayweather, 34, chalked up the ending to his advantage in experience, and expressed no remorse after the frustrated, beaten-to-the-punch Ortiz (29-3-2) bloodied Mayweather's lip and mouth with the head butt.

"What goes around," Mayweather said, "comes around."

When HBO's Larry Merchant tried to interview Mayweather after the fight, Mayweather suggested the 80-year-old boxing analyst talk to Ortiz "since you've never given me a fair shake." Mayweather used an expletive and questioned Merchant's knowledge of the sport, to which Merchant replied, "If I was 50 years younger, I'd kick your [rear]."

Mayweather didn't exactly embrace Ortiz's rematch request.

"If he feels it was a fluke, I'll do the same thing again," Mayweather said. "But he was slowly breaking down as each round went. He was going to go down, anyway."

It's more likely that Ortiz will end up as a participant in a welterweight tournament his promoter, Richard Schaefer, will propose to HBO and Showtime this week.

Schaefer signed former junior-welterweight world champion Devon Alexander on Saturday, and said Alexander, Ortiz, Marcos Maidana, Andre Berto, Paulie Malignaggi and Lucas Matthysse are candidates to participate in a 147-pound tournament that will help increase those fighters' recognition.

Mayweather has more thoughts to ponder beyond a possible 2012 matchup with Manny Pacquiao, who fights Nov. 12 against Juan Manuel Marquez.

"I move when I want to move, and I fight when I want to fight," Mayweather said.

First, he has to deal with his criminal case.

Mayweather is due in Clark County (Nev.) Court on Oct. 15 for a preliminary hearing in his multi-felony domestic violence case in which the mother of his three children and some of the children are alleged victims.

"The only thing I can do is keep my fingers crossed," Mayweather said. "I chose the best team of attorneys I know. I know I haven't done anything. People want to create something because of who you are. With that [domestic] case, I say, 'Where are the pictures?'.

"The rest [claims by security guards] it's a bunch of bull. These guys say they got beat up, but they could walk to the hospital? It's not real."

Mayweather said after the bout he was unsure how much time he'd be away from the ring.

"I hope it's not this long," he said, referring to the 16-month layoff before he fought Ortiz.

He spent several minutes of his postfight news conference expressing skepticism about the Pacquiao fight, even though their schedules are close enough to meet in May.

Mayweather again pressed Pacquiao to commit to Olympic-standard testing for performance-enhancing drugs — Pacquiao promoter Bob Arum says the Filipino superstar will — and continued insinuating Pacquiao has engaged in doping even though Mayweather faces a defamation lawsuit on that matter.

"To say a guy goes from 105 pounds to this, and it's all natural … come on, man," Mayweather said.

He chided Pacquiao for "fighting all my leftovers," and lashed out at critics, complaining, "When I beat that little dude [Pacquiao], they're going to say he was too small or too old. They never appreciate me."

Mayweather said Pacquiao "doesn't want to fight me. Once he loses, it's over. They're tricking y'all saying they'll fight me. Don't be tricked."

Schaefer said he expects to discuss Mayweather's future with the fighter and his representatives within the next two or three weeks.

One of the top alternatives to Pacquiao is England's Amir Khan, the junior-welterweight world champion who could help create a major boxing event at London's Wembley Stadium.

Mayweather said, "I'm more popular in England than Khan," and added, "I'm loyal to MGM."

What mattered most to Mayweather was victory, and he appreciated being told his speed, defense and counter-punching were as strong as ever Saturday.

"Did I look sharp?" he said, smiling widely.

[email]lance.pugmire@latimes.com[/email]

I'm a fan of boxing

2011-09-18T18:11:00.000-07:00

By Randy De La O

I'm no fan of Floyd Mayweather Jr, never have been and most likely, never will be. What I am is a fan of the sport of boxing. As difficult as that can be at times, especially when someone like Mayweather is involved, I do try my absolute best to put aside my own personal bias and dislikes and focus just on the fighter and the fights. It's not always easy. Saturday night's fight between Mayweather and Victor Ortiz is a good example. Coming into this fight I wanted Ortiz to put the trash talking Mayweather in his place. I wasn't 100% sure he could but I was rooting for him to pull it off. The other reason I was rooting for Ortiz was that I wanted to see the guy redeem himself. I was hoping he would prove once and for all, that his blatant quitting in the Marcos Maidana fight was an anomaly, just something that happened, a one time quirky act. I thought that Ortiz understood what true character was, and that he was going to work like hell to prove himself. Maybe position himself along side some of the great fighters of the past.

Us guys from the West Coast and the L.A. fight scene are a proud bunch, We love our fighters and their exploits passionately. We have as rich a history in the sport as any town in the country, or the world too for that matter. We cherish and defend that history. The fighters that were either born here or came here to live and fight, range from the completely mediocre to the legendary. They trained at the Main Street Gym, the Teamsters Gym, the Hoover Street Gym and Canto Robledo's backyard gym. The names of these fighters stand with the best from anywhere in the world when it comes to courage, heart and fair play and they include fighters such as Manny Ortiz, Gil Cadilli, Kenny Teran, Art Aragon, Enrique Bolanos,Lauro Salas, Denny Moyer, Mando Ramos, Hedgeman Lewis, Randy Shields, Mando Muniz, Bobby Chacon, Danny "Little Red" Lopez, Rick Farris, Frankie Baltazar, Tony Baltazar, and more recently, Sugar Shane Mosley and Oscar De La Hoya. I couldn't begin to list them all. Guys like Ruben Olivares, Chucho Castillo, Jesus Pimental came north from Mexico to lay it on the line at the Olympic Auditorium and the Forum because they knew L.A. was a fight town like no other and appreciated a fighter worth his salt. Art Hafey headed south from Canada to Southern California, to jump into the midst of what has come to be known as the "West Coast Featherweight Wars". The West Coast has been a hot bed of boxing for decades and L.A. has been the epicenter of it all. We don't care what nationality you are, what color you are are what your religion is. If you can fight and are willing, and can take it as good as you can give, than you are our kind of fighter. it's as simple as that. We'll be with you all the way.

Then along comes Victor Ortiz, wanting to stand tall with all the rest. Quit against Maidana and was given a second chance at a career. Positioned himself with one of the two pound for pound best fighters in the world, and was making a fight of it. Mayweather began picking up some steam and the fighter who has ironically come to be known as "Vicious" began to crumble. Ortiz had Mayweather against the ropes and was actually landing some good shots, when for reasons known only to him, he decided to take the low road with a headbutt so obviously intentionally a blind man would have had no trouble seeing it. Anomaly? No, lack of character, lack of true courage, a complete lack of fair play.

Am I being too harsh here? I don't think so. Given that Ortiz had a shot at redemption and spit in our eyes in the process, I think he's getting off easy. The crowd at the Staples Center, judging by the boos for Mayweather seem to be excusing Ortiz' behavior. Mayweather did what any sane fighter would and should do when facing a man who has already shown himself to be a cheater. I would lay some pretty good money that many of the same people that think Floyd sucker punched Ortiz, were jumping for joy a few years back when, Marco Antonio Barrera, like Mayweather, took matters into his own hands and grabbed Nassem Hamed in a half nelson and rammed him face first into the ring post. I don't recall ever hearing of one fan that thought Barrera was in the wrong. Neither was Floyd Mayweather in the wrong. But for the headbutt there would have been no controversy or knockout, at least not that particular knockout.

To borrow quote from Dorothy and "The Wizard of Oz", "Victor, you're not in Kansas anymore!"

There is an age old adage in boxing that goes something like this

2011-09-18T13:20:00.001-07:00

"You are never so naked as when you are standing in the ring". It's not the physical nakedness they are referring to, it's the character of a man (or a women) that's exposed. Your courage and heart and sense of fair play, and your ability or inability to handle pressure, or the propensity to resort to cowardly acts and cheat when frustrated, or a lack of character when it's time to face your actions when caught. You are never so naked a when you are standing in the ring. Ask Victor Ortiz, he got caught completely naked last night.

Lou Filippo

2011-09-18T09:13:00.000-07:00

By Rick Farris

I had the pleasure of meeting Lou Filippo in 2006, when I joined the Board of Directors of the World Boxing Hall of Fame. I didn't have time to get to know Lou Filippo very well, but I was well aware of his career in the ring, both as a rough lightweight fighting out of the Jackie McCoy stable in the 50's, and also as a referee/ringside official. My boxing partner Dan Hanley and I had the opportunity to interview Lou in 2007. It would be the Hall of Famer's last interview, and it was a good one.

Shortly after we interviewed Lou, I learned that around the time I was born, Frank Baltazar worked at a car wash where Lou would take his car every week. It was a flashy blue Pontiac and Frank told of how Lou would keep his gym bag on the back seat of the car. I believe the car was was on Whittier Blvd. From that, I spoke with Lou at a WBHOF meeting one day and mentioned "that flashy blue Pontiac" he used to have. Filippo would look at me suprised, and then I would say, "you remember the one you used to take to the so& so car wash. I used to work there and recall seeing your equipment in the back seat." This would have taken place around the time I was born, so Lou is now really confused . . . "How could you, uh?
Yeah, I remember that Pontiac, but, uh . . . How old are you?"

Well that little incident was the start of a respectful relationship between Lou Filippo and myself. I appreciate Frank's sharing that little piece of knowledge, because it led to a positive moment between myself and an L.A. boxing legend.

Below is Lou Filippo's Boxrec bio:

Attended John C. Fremont High School in south Los Angeles, and began boxing at the 97th Street Arena to become one of California's top amateur boxers of the 1940s. He joined the U.S. Navy during World War II, became a Pharmacist Mate, 2nd Class (medic), serving aboard the USS South Dakota. He won the South Pacific All-Services 125-pound title in 1944 at Guadacanal, South Pacific; as well as the 1945 Naval Base 125-pound Championship. After his discharge from the Navy, Filippo won the US Diamond Belt (in the lightweight division). He had more than 250 amateur bouts before embarking on a professional career.

Filippo fought professionally from 1947-1957, compiling a record of 28-9-3 (8), and was named Action Fighter of the Year in Los Angeles (1957). During his career he fought former lightweight champions Carlos Ortiz and Lauro Salas. Filippo was known to cut easily, and once quipped that he would start bleeding while the referee was still giving opening instructions.

He later became a boxing manager and trainer (he trained World Champion Don Jordan for a couple of fights). Filippo went into refereeing and judging in the early 1970s at the suggestion of Olympic Auditorium promoter Aileen Eaton, and eventually officiated over 85 championship bouts. He was the judge who favored Hagler 115-113 in the controversial Marvin Hagler vs. Sugar Ray Leonard middleweight championship fight in Las Vegas. Filippo also handled the first Shane Mosley-Oscar De La Hoya welterweight championship fight in 2000 in Los Angeles.

Filippo appeared as either a referee or announcer in five of the six "Rocky" boxing movies. (He was not in the sixth installment, "Rocky Balboa.") Filippo's reputation as a "loyal, straight-up guy" helped him win Sylvester Stallone's attention. (In "Rocky II" Filippo tells Stallone's bloodied character Rocky Balboa before the epic 15th round: "Hey, Rock, you get in trouble one more time...," to which Balboa answers: "Don't stop nothing!" When both fighters fall to the canvas on a Balboa punch and opponent Apollo Creed slumps in a corner, Filippo tells Rocky: "You're out!")

He also spent 43 years working for Thermo-Electron, Cal Duran Division. And, from 1983 to about 2005, Filippo served as an executive with the World Boxing Hall of Fame--serving two terms as its President from 1993.

He was the husband of Pat (who died in 2007), and father of Debbye and Patti.
Lou Filippo passed away Nov. 2, 2009, in Los Angeles, of a stroke--having judged his final bout only two weeks earlier.

Photo-Dawn Paradis

Floyd Mayweather Jr. pours salt in Victor Ortiz's wounds

2011-09-15T17:03:00.001-07:00

September 15, 2011

Floyd Mayweather Jr. has launched mental warfare against his 10-years-younger Saturday night opponent Victor Ortiz, inviting Ortiz's ex-trainer Robert Garcia and Ventura County rival world champion Brandon Rios to watch near ringside.

"I saw Garcia at a fight at state line [Primm, Nev.] not too long ago. He asked to come to my next fight, and I said that'd be great," Mayweather said. "I'm a man of my word."

Especially when it's this irritating to the opposition's camp.

Not only did Ortiz drop Garcia as his trainer after a 2007 bout, claiming the trainer was "mean," he hired Garcia's brother, Danny, as his new trainer.

That created such a severe falling out in the Garcia family that Robert and Danny are not on speaking terms. It doesn't help that their backyards in Oxnard butt up against each other.

Mayweather claimed Wednesday that Ortiz's explanation that he was abandoned by his father at the age of 12 was "not true," counting Robert Garcia and Internet reports as his "research."
Ortiz insists his father was abusive and walked away after Ortiz's mother quit parenting.

Contacted by telephone, Robert Garcia told The Times he's heard from a former neighbor of the Ortiz family that Ortiz's "dad never left him, was always there for him."

Garcia said he couldn't remember Ortiz's father ever checking in by telephone or any other means after Garcia and his father effectively took over guardianship of Ortiz at age 16, with the then-amateur boxer relocating from Garden City, Kan., to Oxnard.

On Wednesday, Ortiz gave Mayweather's claims little attention, though Danny Garcia announced he "loves his brother" and expressed hope for a reunion someday soon. Robert Garcia said he agreed with that sentiment but first wanted Danny "to admit" he was wrong by not alerting the Garcia family to his intentions to replace Robert as Ortiz's trainer.

"He knows why I don't want to talk to him," Robert Garcia said. "I had brought Danny in to help me train fighters and get a piece of every guy. Then we find out by surprise that Victor wants to go somewhere else, and that Danny is training him. If he wanted to do that in the first place, all he had to do was tell us. Fine, go make some money.

"Finding out without him telling us, it's ugly now. I've learned when there's money involved, it can change people. I just want Danny to tell me why he did it.

Mayweather was reportedly contemplating asking Robert Garcia and his star fighter Rios to accompany him into the ring with Ortiz, but Robert Garcia said he "wouldn't be comfortable" doing so. He said he did want to attend the fight, however, and was pleased to receive an invitation from Mayweather advisor Leonard Ellerbe on Wednesday.

"I think Mayweather wins, and I'm not the only one," Robert Garcia said. "Victor does hit hard, and he has power, but I believe Floyd will pick him apart.

'Victor is weak-minded. If Floyd starts landing [punches] on him, Victor will lose it. I know he will. It happened when I had him in the amateurs. It happened [two years ago] against [Marcos] Maidana."

Victor Ortiz vows to 'teach' Floyd Mayweather Jr.

2011-09-15T05:35:00.001-07:00

oxers trade pointed comments in advance of bout at Las Vegas' MGM Grand on Saturday, and Ortiz's trainer has something to say too.

By Lance Pugmire

September 14, 2011
Reporting from Las Vegas — The most modest man at the podium made the boldest statement Wednesday.

Danny Garcia, a soda truck driver who also trains world welterweight champion Victor Ortiz, turned to multimillionaire Floyd Mayweather Jr. and made a simple, passionate plea that will resonate until the boxers square off at the MGM Grand on Saturday night.

"Floyd, at least for this fight, fight a good clean fight for the people," Garcia said as he stared down at Mayweather, who was seated at a news conference dais. "We all know how you fight.

"Don't put up your elbow, don't turn your back. That tells me you're scared of fighting."

Strong words from a working-class man whose morning delivery route includes stops in Ventura, Oxnard and Camarillo.

It wasn't Mayweather's turn to speak, but as he showed HBO cameras during training camp, when he threw his father out of his gym in an expletive-filled tirade, he doesn't have much patience in debate.

"Yeah, I am scared of fighting," answered Mayweather, mocking Garcia's accusation. "That's why I've been dominating here for 16 years. I'm the one doing the [pay-per-view] numbers. I'm not worried about you. You're the trainer. Let your fighter fight."

Ortiz, 24, who claimed the World Boxing Council title with a stirring exchange-of-knockdowns battle with Andre Berto in April, took up his trainer's cause.

"You have 41 [victories], but none of those 41 were against me," said the Ventura boxer, who has a record of 29-2-2 with 22 knockouts. "I sense some nervousness. I am the current WBC champion. I'm going to teach you what it's like to have that one [loss]."

Mayweather, 34, whose 41-0 record includes 25 knockouts, cautioned his younger foe — a 51/2-1 underdog at the MGM Resorts' Race and Sports Book — telling Ortiz to stay "classy."

Ortiz responded with a dig at Mayweather's involvement in a felony domestic violence case in which the mother of his three children was allegedly a victim.

"Oh, we're talking about class here? I'm going to put you on your [rear]," Ortiz said.

When it was Mayweather's turn, he expressed surprise that the Ortiz camp had turned scornful.

"The trainer says I'm a dirty fighter. Well, it's a dirty sport," Mayweather said. "It's the hurt business. How can it be clean?"

He added, "Don't worry about me backpedaling. I'll come straight ahead. The fight's not going the distance. When I hit you and hurt you, don't grab me. I'm going to finish you off."

Mayweather also claimed Ortiz's sad story of being abandoned in his youth by his father is "not true" — citing Internet talk as his source of information. Mayweather said he's grown tired of Ortiz's repeating, "Dude, I grew up with nothing."

There was another message: Welcome to big-time boxing, kid.

"It didn't bother me. I'm a tree stump, man," Ortiz said afterward. "You can say whatever you want. I know when you do something well, everyone's your friend, and when you hit the floor, everyone forgets you.

"It's going to be a sad moment for Floyd Saturday night."

lance.pugmire@latimes.com

Victor Ortiz keeps camp loose before fighting Floyd Mayweather Jr.

2011-09-14T03:47:00.001-07:00

In contrast to his opponent, WBC champion Ortiz likes to interrupt the grind of training with 'fun days' to give his team a break from tension. It fits the persona of a boxer who says, 'I love life.'
Victor Ortiz

By Lance Pugmire

September 13, 2011, 4:46 p.m.
As much as Victor Ortiz has in common with Floyd Mayweather Jr. — neither is talking to his father, both left veteran promoter Bob Arum for greater riches, and they're fighting each other Saturday — there's one dominant difference.

Mayweather's gym maintains a consistently tense mood, saying that the fighter is there training hard to avoid the damage that occurs in the blood sport. Ortiz routinely halts everything for a "fun day."

Recently, Ortiz took everyone on a chartered deep-sea fishing boat off the Channel Islands. He's also invited the group to surf, enter a Camp Pendleton triathlon race with him, paddleboard, get massages in Ojai and sky dive.

"I'm not going to live forever. So you better have fun while you're here," Ortiz said from his home on Ventura Harbor.

That's the unmistakable vibe exuding from Ortiz, the 24-year-old World Boxing Council welterweight champion. He will make his first title defense in Las Vegas in a bout dominated by the story line of his celebrated opponent, the unbeaten Mayweather, who returns to the ring after 16 months.

"I think everyone is tired of him," Ortiz said of his foe. "I'm here to win this."

Ortiz is an aggressive puncher, with a 29-2-2 record and 22 knockouts, but oddsmakers say he's a 7-to-1 underdog.

Those close to Ortiz say that if victory is at hand, it will be because of the drive he's shown by overcoming numerous obstacles to win a world title.

"He takes his energy as a fighter into everything he does, and our kids need to hear that story," said Hector Cortez, chief diversity officer of Big Brothers/Big Sisters, a youth mentoring organization based in Philadelphia. Ortiz, a spokesman for the organization, recently hosted some youths from a gang-intervention program at his Ventura gym.

"To respond to the environment he came from is a testament to his resolve," Cortez said. "Everything around you comes from something deep within you, and tapping into that can be transformative."

Ortiz grew up in Garden City, Kan., and he and his siblings endured a difficult childhood as their parents abandoned them.

Mayweather, similarly scarred by unstable parenting, remains saddled with a reputation for being moody and difficult. He's facing felony charges stemming from allegations that he struck the mother of his three children, and he recently split with his father in an expletive-filled exchange on HBO's "24/7" reality series.

Ortiz has taken another tack. He simply doesn't speak to the father who left him.

Last winter, Ortiz said, he faced his own domestic crisis — he came home early one day and found his girlfriend of four years with another man, a U.S. serviceman. He recalled telling the soldier, "I should hit you, but I won't, because all the stories will say, 'Boxer beats up military hero.'" Ortiz ended the relationship.

In April, Ortiz's boxing career reached a pinnacle. He won the WBC belt from then-unbeaten Andre Berto in a stirring unanimous decision, a bout in which both men were knocked down twice, with Mayweather watching ringside.

"I could have easily headed in other directions throughout my life," Ortiz said. "Luckily, I was surrounded by a lot of positive people. I knew right from wrong. And it meant something to me to not be that person who in people's eyes was all messed up."

Ortiz credits his youth boxing mentor, the late Ignacio "Bucky" Avila. The trainer kept repeating the phrase "You can do it, Junior" so often that Ortiz said he heard the words echo during the Berto fight.

Ortiz values support from those close to him. It was a key reason why he dumped his former trainer Robert Garcia. The trainer was "mean" and not supportive, Ortiz said.

Rosas recalled that during the weigh-in for a 2006 fight in San Antonio against a then-unbeaten opponent named Nestor Rosas, he ended a verbal exchange by betting Rosas $100 that he'd win the fight. Instead of drawing admiration from Garcia for being confident, the trainer scolded Ortiz and warned him he faced a difficult fight.

"[Garcia was] always bringing me down," Ortiz said.

Ortiz knocked out Rosas in the fifth round.

Fight fans, though, haven't always been on Ortiz's side. In June 2009 Ortiz lost to Marcos Maidana on a sixth-round technical knockout at Staples Center when it appeared Ortiz could have continued. Fans shouted at Ortiz: "You're not a true Mexican!"

Ortiz believes that if he fought Maidana 10 times he'd win nine of the bouts. "Sorry for the mistake of being human" and losing one, Ortiz said.

Rolando Arellano, Ortiz's manager, added, "There's a reason the front windshield of a car is bigger than the rear mirror: You should look forward most of the time, and only occasionally check behind you."

On Ortiz's dinner table is the volume "The Book of Positive Quotations." His manager frequently reads passages from it to Ortiz. They also watch Anthony Robbins' motivational videos together.

"It's not what people think of you, it's what you believe about yourself," Arellano said, fixing his eyes on his fighter. "There are excuses to fail and excuses to succeed. . . . It's the story between the ears that determines your life."

Ortiz nods, relishing his own path.

"You've got to get over things," Ortiz said. "Otherwise, you'd sit there and want to kill yourself. I love life."

lance.pugmire@latimes.com

Art "Golden Boy" Aragon/Charlie Sawyer Jan. 31, 1959..

2011-09-14T03:19:00.000-07:00

Art "Golden Boy" Aragon/Charlie Sawyer Jan. 31, 1959..

"Headlines ARAGON IN TROUBLE AGAIN; 4-ROUND 'KAYO' A FIASCO, Los Angeles-A four -round fiasco with his ex-sparring partner has plunged Art Aragon into hot water with the boxing commission and has cost him a shot at Don Jordan's welterweight title. The State Athletic Commission has ordered both fighter's purses held up pending a hearing Saturday of Aragon's knockout of Charlie Sawyer. "As soon as they started there movements in the first round, I knew something was wrong." said Tommy Hart, who refereed the scheduled 10-rounder Saturday night at Legion Stadium. Hart refused to count three times in the first round when Sawyer hit the deck. "It was just horseplay," said Hart. "Sawyer got hit on the shoulder and went into his elevator act." RUMORS BEFORE FIGHT. However, Hart conceded that Sawyer was really tagged when he went down and was counted out in the fourth. (Commission Secretary Clayton Frye told United Press International today that Sawyer "was trying to go down, it was obvious. (Aragon, a veteran of 16 years in the pro fight game, was convicted in 1957 of offering another fighter, Dick Goldstein, $500 to throw a fight, but a California District Court of Appeals subsequently reversed this conviction. ("There were rumors about the fight," Frye said, "and both boxers were warned at the weigh-in...We simply wanted to put them on notice that we wanted the best effort." Aragon, who could have won a shot at the welter title with a good showing, said the fight was on the up-and-up as far as he was concerned. "I'm not responsible for what Sawyer does," "I'm not the matchmaker." Sawyer, a 10-year ring veteran, said "Those knockdowns were good. Did the referee want me to get killed?" Sawyer worked as a sparmate for Aragon's ill-fated tilt with Carmen Basilio last September. Aragon said "Sawyer is washed up. That's what caused the trouble. I knocked him down with big gloves three times when i was training for Basilio."

Frank, Do you remember this fight, like you said before, "when wasn't Art in trouble," never a dull moment with Golden Boy"....Paul

--------------------------------------------------------

I remember it Paul,I didn't see it though. Sawyer was Joe Kelly's fighter. Kelly was the door man at the Teamsters gym in the '50's, Kelly also was one of the last owner's of the Knockout Magazine...

Tony Baltazar/Howard Davis Post-Fight Press Conference.

2011-09-08T17:07:00.001-07:00

At a press conference after the Tony Baltazar/Howard Davis fight a reporter asked Tony a question.

Reporter: Tony, after dropping Howard twice; were you surprise at the decision?

Tony: well, you know; I am a long way from home.

Frankie Baltazar v Chango Cruz

2011-09-06T19:52:00.001-07:00

http://youtu.be/tgDI91Q81p0
Frankie Baltazar v Chango Cruz
October 28, 1976

On Monday, October 25, 1976, Frankie and I were working at a Ford dealership (paint shop) in Alhambra, Ca. That morning I told Frankie that on our lunch hour I was going to go see Don Chargin at the Olympic Auditorium to see if I could set up a six-round fight for him for that coming Thursday night.

I left Alhambra about 11:30 AM. and got to the Olympic about 25 minutes later. As I parked the car I was thinking about how hard it had become to get Frankie fights. His record stood at 4-1 with 2 knockouts. The one decision loss was an out-of-town (Stockton, Ca.) fight against Reynaldo Zaragoza, a fight that just about everybody in the house thought Frankie had won.

As I entered the Olympic I was hoping that I wasn't again wasting my time as I had been doing lately in talking to Chargin. I climbed the stairs to his office and as I got to the door I could hear Harry Kabakoff saying, "What are we going to do Don? Castillo won't fight Cruz."

"We'll find somebody for him to fight, so don't worry Harry," I heard Don say. As I walked in I could see that Harry looked like he was about to start crying, but he smiled a big smile when he saw me walk in.

"Is your boy ready to fight?" Harry asked me.

"Yes, that's why I'm here, to see if I can get Frankie a six-round fight," I answered.

"How about Thursday night in the main event?" Harry asked.

"Against who?" I countered.

"Chango Cruz."

"C'mon Harry. Cruz has had 12 fights with 8 KO's, Frankie only has five fights. By the way, what happened to Castillo?"

"Castillo got sick, so they say. I think they are afraid to fight my new champ," said Harry.

I turned to Chargin and asked him about getting a six-round fight, and he said that none of the local fighters wanted to fight Frankie and that it was too expensive to bring in out-of-town fighters for a six-round fight. At that point Harry jumped in and told me to forget about a six rounder and to take the Cruz fight. Chargin then said, "Frank, we'll pay you XXX dollars."

"I don't know, Don. Like I said, Frankie only has had five fights, and he has never gone more than seven rounds. This would be a ten-round fight against a guy with 12 wins, 8 by knockout. I don't want to put Frankie in over his head," I said to Chargin. Harry again jumped in and said they would pay us more than they first offered. After going around for about an hour and seeing the offer go up a few more times and being told not to worry about the weight, I accepted the fight.

I got back to the shop and told Frankie to go home, that he was fighting the main on Thursday. "Who am I fighting Pops?" he asked.

"You are fighting Chango Cruz, mijo," I said.

"But Pops! Cruz has 12 wins and 8 by knockout. I only have five fights. What happened to Castillo?"

"Castillo got sick, mijo. Now go home, I'll see you at the gym," I told him.

I wasn't sure that Frankie would beat Cruz, but I was sure that he wouldn't get hurt. After all, Frankie had been boxing since he was six years old.

Frankie won by ninth-round knockout, and Harry didn't talk to me for about six months after that. . . . .

----------------

LOL!!..soon after this fight I got fired and since Frankie was working for me; he had to go too. The owner said we were spending too much time on the fight game. It worked out for us though, within a couple of week I landed a better paying job, one mile from our house, at our local Chevy dealer. There the owner loved us, we couldn't do no wrong. He and his wife started attending Frankie and Tony's fights, on our dime of course....LOL!!

Floyd Mayeather vs Victor Ortiz

2011-09-05T05:45:00.000-07:00

It's hard for me to see Victor Ortiz beating Floyd Mayweather because I seen what happened when Ortiz fought a decent fighter, he "No Mas" on one (Maidana) , then was up and down like some old whore's panties on another (Berto), those were the only two fighters of note that he has fought and he was in deep caca in both of those fights..Yes I agree that Floyd is getting old and hasn't fought in months, but imo against Ortiz that won't matter much

Frank Baltazar

Having Doubts about Canelo Alvarez

2011-08-31T13:41:00.000-07:00

By Gabreal Gallegos

Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. The youngest EVER to win the Light Middleweight belt.

It just doesn’t sound right saying that sentence. Let’s be clear about one thing. Saul “Canelo” Alvarez is a good boxer, however, is he a deserving champion that won the belt by beating the best in his weight division. No.

His promoters will have you believe that while he is a good boxer on the cusp of being a great if not legendary champion, he still needs work…and by work what his promoters are really saying is, he needs more fights under his belt. The statement is not a shock nor is it typically surprising a fighter that is only 21 years old to be still finding his rhythm, power, mental game and many other attributes a professional boxer needs to stay competitive. This is especially true for a young up and coming fighter such as Canelo. However, Alvarez has been a pro since 15 and now he is the WBC Light Middleweight Champion of the world. Therefore, the words such as time, progress, develop should have been established well before Alvarez won a title. This is not the case and now, Alvarez and Goldenboy have to decide how they are going to move forward with his career.

On September 17th Canelo will face reality TV contestant on The Contender season 1 member Alfonso Gomez. Gomez is not a bad choice; it’s a safe choice with a name. Gomez is not a deserving contender for the Light Middleweight belt. So, why is Gomez fighting for a title in less than 3 weeks? It’s because Alvarez is not ready for any of the big names that can not only beat him but could ruin his very promising career. It’s because Alvarez is still a work in progress, he has good power, nice range and a decent chin- but his defense, footwork, speed and power still need some work. Yes, he has some power but not nearly the power he needs to stay competitive at 154lb or 160lb if he ever decides to move up in weight.

His boxing tool chest needs to get more complete and until he is able to face real competition fans will never know if he has the ability to beat the likes of Cotto, Margarito or Paul Williams. This is the issue with Canelo, he is getting a pass and being allowed to fight the Gomez’s, Matthew Hatton’s and over the hill Baldomir’s in the boxing game today; instead of facing the best fighters the Light Middleweight class has to offer. This is a safe move by Goldenboy as it seems Goldenboy had a bit of a struggle of matching some of their fighters up with tougher competition then they should have been facing early in their career only to see them lose and never quit live up to the potential Goldenboy had hoped. (anyone remember Vicente Escobedo)

In the end Alvarez and Goldenboy have made their plan clear-set Canelo up with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr route. Play it safe, but talk Canelo up as if he is one fight away from fighting the toughest guys in his division only keep him away from any potential threat for at least another year or so. It’s not a plan that you can blame a team that is aware their prize fighter is not ready for a real test. Alvarez already has the belt all they have to do now is match make Alvarez with boxers that have a name but not much more. No speed, no power and definitely no one that can be a threat, This will work and I for one wouldn’t be surprised if they attempt to match Bernard Hopkins 20 win record…Only kidding, but..You never know.

And then…

Canelo, is a huge star in the making, he just needs to be matched correctly for a while, but the issue I have with that is he is a champion. Champions fight the best fighters out there…Well at least they used to. Today fighters are all about the business. The promoters make fans think that Clottey, Gomez, and Mosley are the best possible fights that can be made. Roy Jones Jr was the best at making bullshit fights seem relevant and now we will see how Goldenboy and company make out with Canelo’s and his career.

Low blows and cancellations seem to be the theme of August. Let’s hope that September brings what fans have been waiting for. Andre Berto is back in the ring, an exciting fight between Gamboa and DeLeon, Mayweather Ortiz fight, add that with HBO 24/7, College and NFL football season getting under way and the next 3 weeks should be pretty entertaining.

The now defunct Teamsters Gym. Where Frankie, Tony and Bobby Baltazar started their boxing careers in 1964.

2011-08-30T13:57:00.000-07:00

Boxing is build on a foundation of sepia tone memories passed on from generation to generation and the Teamsters gym produce plenty.

Frank Baltazar, and old rivals, Bobby Chacon and Danny "Little Red" Lopez at the 2010 California Hall of Fame Banquet.

2011-08-29T05:08:00.000-07:00

Frankie Baltazar's Last Fight

2011-08-21T12:57:00.000-07:00

By Frank Kiki Baltazar

October 24, 1991: Frankie is to fight Charlie “Mad Dog” Young for Don Fraser at the Marriott Hotel at Irvine, Ca. We arrived early for the same fight day Weight-in. Contract weight was 143 give or take. Frankie was right on the money at 143. Mad Dog came in 148, five over the contract agreement. The CSAC only allows a fighter to lose two pounds on the day of the fight, so that meant Mad Dog could only come in at 146, still three pounds over. Don Fraser is ready to have a heart attack as he is about to lose his main event. Don asked me if we would fight Mad Dog at ‘46, I said yes,” but that we get 10 % of Mad Dog purse”, the CSAC inspector jumped at that and said “no way are you getting 10 % of Young’s purse”, I told the inspector that if the fight was to go on we were getting 10% of Young’s purse and that if he read his rule book he would find out that we could get it, he called out to his flunky to get him the rule book, he read the rule book and he say “yes you can get 10 % and the CSAC get another 10 %!”. Poor Mad Dog just lost 20 % of his purse. After the inspector and Don Fraser explain things to him, he agree to lose two pounds, don’t think he understood about the 20%.

Mad dog came to the fight without a corner, so he asked Hall Of fame Corner Man Chuck Bodak and Jerry Boyed if they would work his corner, that he would pay them he said. Jerry Boyd in 2004 had a book published “Rope Burns” under the pen name F.X. Toole. The Oscar winning movie “Million Dollar Baby” was made from that book.

Two or three hours later Mad Dog made 146, so the fight is on. Later on in afternoon, I was sitting with Pat Russell who was to be the main event referee at the hotel's coffee shop; as we were sitting there Mad Dog came over to our table to talk trash, about how he was going knock Frankie out. I told him that that was okay with me. That either way I would walk out with the winner, he asked me “whatcha ya mean, whatcha ya mean?”; I told him; you and Frankie are my fighters, he tells me “I am not your fighter”. I than told him that for tonight’s fight I owned 10 % of him, Pat Russell told him that that was true; he then walked away muttering.

The fight went all Frankie’s way. He stopped Mad Dog in the ninth round. After the fight in the dressing room I told Frankie that we needed to talk about his boxing career and where he was going from here, well the rest is history.

Afterward I was in the hotel bar having a drink with some friends and fans of Frankie when Chuck Bodak and Jerry Boyd came up to me and asked me if I have seen Mad Dog, I said no, what happened I asked them “The S-B didn’t pay us”..... The Mad Dog was long gone…

Art "Golden Boy" Aragon/Tommy Campbell, May. 16, 1950

2011-08-20T08:55:00.001-07:00

At the Olympic Auditorium at Los Angeles, Art "Golden Boy" Aragon scored a three-round knockout over Tommy Campbell after a questionable second round which saw Aragon decked for a seven count. Midway in the second round Campbell caught Aragon flush on the jaw with a right cross to the chin which sent Aragon careening through the ropes and onto the apron of the ring. Referee Reggie Gilmore waved Campbell to a neutral corner and began counting over Aragon, the 1 to 5 favorite. Golden Boy stood up on wobbly legs, but Campbell made no move to step into action and as Aragon moved across the ring they fell into a clinch without throwing a punch. At the end of the round the referee went to Campbell's corner and told him to get in there and fight or his license would be taken away. Campbell made an effort in the third, but Aragon came out like a tiger and a vicious left hook followed by a powerful right cross dropped Campbell for a nine count. As he arose Aragon rushed him and with a crushing right dropped him for the full count. An investigation the day following the fight saw both fighters cleared on all counts but Campbell's California license was taken away because he has failing sight in one eye. A crowd of 7,500 was on hand, contributing a gross of $16,558.

IBF orders Agbeko-Mares rematch

2011-08-16T19:14:00.001-07:00

from Fight News

IBF President Daryl Peoples and IBF Championships Chairman Lindsey Tucker completed their review of the IBF Optional Bantamweight Championship bout that took place on August 13, 2011 in Las Vegas, NV, between Joseph Agbeko and Abner Mares. Peoples and Tucker observed several low blow fouls committed by Abner Mares. While the referee, Russell Mora, issued numerous warnings for low blows during the course of the bout, he neglected to deduct points for these fouls. With 1:03 left in round eleven, Joseph Agbeko was hit with a low blow foul that forced him to the canvas. Mr. Mora determined that the blow landed by Mares was legal and began to count indicating that a knockdown had occurred.

Based upon their review of the bout, it has been determined by the IBF that inappropriate conduct by the referee affected the outcome of the fight. In accordance with IBF/USBA Rule 3.D., the IBF is ordering a rematch between Joseph Agbeko and Abner Mares for the IBF Bantamweight title which must be held within the next 120 days or by December 14, 2011.

Art "Golden Boy" Aragon/Mario Trigo, May. 8, 1951

2011-08-10T04:15:00.000-07:00

In defeating Mario Trigo at Los Angeles Olympic, Art Aragon won the California lightweight title and the dubious distinction of being the foremost contender (California version) for world title. And some of the local scribes stated that he looked the part. It was an action scrap and although not one-sided, Trigo was the recipient of much punisment. Mario was not as elusive as usual, in fact, was an easy target, but, due to poor timing, Aragon missed half his punches. Aragon, set on a kayo victory, stalked Trigo continually and had his jinx opponent hurt and wobbly several times, but couldn't put over the finisher. Trigo appeared about to cave in numerous times, but he recuperates quickly, and would always come back with a counter-attack. Mario was decked once, a short hook dropping him for a 1-count in the second.

Trigo outslugged the tired Aragon in the 8th, and came out fast in the 9th, forcing Art to give ground, but shortly after was knocked into the ropes from a left hook to the jaw. Seeing his foe was hurt, Aragon tore in with a vengeance, raining lefts and rights to Mario's head. Trigo was being badly pounded but appeared in no worst shape then on several previous occasions and the referee's action in halting the fight at this point brought forth considerable booing. Aragon looked drawn and pasty at 134 1/2, Trigo came in at 135.

When Boxers were expected to "Step Up". . .

2011-08-09T08:09:00.000-07:00

By Rick Farris

If Floyd & Pac came up in L.A. when Aileen Eaton & George Parnassus controlled our big time boxing, they'd have fought long ago.
You cash in on the event while it is hot, when it's wanted. A simple injury to either boxer eliminates a nine figure revenue today.
Back in the day in L.A. there was no waiting to settle a grudge match, cross town rivalry, or whatever the interest in a competitive match.
No boys "protected" in L.A. rings back then, not like what you see today. We had guys that got better breaks, but they fought competitive opponents.
When Keeny Teran and Gil Cadilli were the hottest homegrown talents, the two ELA hot shots were matched.

When Mando Ramos and Frankie Crawford needed to fight, they did. Twice.
When Quarry and Orbillo was a hot ticket, they got it on. Winning records were put in jeopardy, not like today.
And what about Kelly Pavlik? It's time to punch his time card and dismiss him. Disgrassa!

Art "Golden Boy" Aragon/Morris Leviege April. 21, 1955

2011-08-09T08:07:00.001-07:00

Art Aragon the Golden Boy, who attracted over $9000,000 into the till of promoter Cal Eaton in his last 26 fights, returned to a California ring after an absence of ten months to score a 7-round knockout over Morris Leviege, Eureka, at the Olympic Auditorium. Aragon somewhat slow and rusty after his long lay-off, flashed his old-time form in the 7th, after being nailed by some hard punches. He flamed into action with a sharp left hook which set Leviege back on his heels, then followed up with a blistering barrage for which he is famed. Referee Lou Grossman, sensing the helplessness of Leviege, halted hostilities after 1 :25 of the 7th. Aragon weighed 146 1/2; Leviege 140.

Leviege is the lad who had Cisco Andrade on the canvas last November, up in San Jose, though Cisco won the duke. In his last appearence in Los Angeles. Aragon drew a gate of $130, 000 with Vince Martinez at Hollywood Ball Park, to establish a California record for a non-title fight. Despite a driving rain, a crowd of 4,038 cash customers paid a gross $6,388 to see the rukus. As one scribe put it; "only with Aragon could this happen". This fight was not televised.

Enrique Bolanos/Manny Madrid, May. 25, 1951

2011-08-09T08:03:00.001-07:00

A low blow landed by Manny Madrid, 138, was all that saved Enrique Bolanos, 136, from suffering his first defeat in the Hollywood Stadium ring. Madrid was penalized one point for the foul, which made their total points add up even at the end of the bout-and the contest was declared a draw. Madrid had led in 5 of the first 7 rounds, but faded in the stretch, possibly due, in part, to a psychological effect, as Bolanos moved out in front immediately after being given a rest to recuperate from the low blow. When the bout resumed in the 7th. Bolanos fought with renewed vigor, while Madrid slowed up and became wild in his punching, Enrique won the final three rounds, mostly with an effective left hook to the body. Although Bolanos is the puncher of the two, it was Madrid who came closest to scoring a knockdown, having Enrique in trouble late in the 6th.

Keeny Teran/Pappy Gault, April. 9, 1955

2011-08-09T08:01:00.001-07:00

Keeny Teran, 113, one of the most controversial figures in California ring history, was declared the winner by TKO, in round two, over Pappy Gault, 118, former American bantam champ, at Hollywood Legion Stadium. There was a storm of protest from many ringsiders who felt that referee Tommy Hart had been over-hasty in the stoppage of hostilities. Gault had not been floored. He was staggered by a right to the chin, but seemed to be possession of all his faculties when the referee stopped it.

Art "Golden Boy" Aragon 1954

2011-08-07T15:55:00.000-07:00

Much of the sheen of the "Golden Boy," Art Aragon, has worn off in recent years because of bad showings he's made and because of the defeats he's suffered, but the cocky welterweight still must be considered a top man in his class. Art, for example, has been decisively whipped when he's tackled the champions or top contenders. Jimmy Carter gave Aragon his worst trouncing in 1951 when Art tried to win the lightweight crown. Earlier Carter had lost to Aragon in a non-title match. Billy Graham decisioned Art early to halt a six-match victory string. And while Aragon bested Chuck Davey in Los Angeles, the verdict was questionable and unpopular. But Art's over-all record is good.

Unpopularity is nonthing new to Aragon, who works out of Los Angeles. His sneering remarks about other fighters, his cafe brawls, his showy behavior has long had press and public alike against him. Nevertheless, arrogant Art is a torrid box-office attraction on the West Coast. From 1950 through 1953, for example, his 23 bouts drew over $620,000 in gate revenue. The fans flock to the Stadium to see the brash, 26-year-old welterweight get his just deserts. He's always booed upon entering the ring wearing a gold robe. Once Aragon retaliated by thumbing his nose at the crowd.

The controversial, "colorful" Aragon hails from the sunbaked state of New Mexico. He turned professional at Los Angeles in 1944, after having worked as a laborer in a dairy plant. A speedy boxer with concealed dynamite in both hands, he ran up a phenomenal string of kayoes although his opposition at first was limited solely to West Coast local talent. His initail big win was over Enrique Bolanos and he's had good wins over Johnny Gonsalves and Lauro Salas. Art is managed by patient Jimmy Roach who has made Aragon rich beyond his dreams. Most boxing insiders feel Aragon hasn't a chance to cop welterweight honors unless he trains seriously and cuts out his screwball tactics. Meanwhile, though, they're paying off.

Art "Golden Boy" Aragon On Oscar De La Hoya,

2011-08-07T05:37:00.000-07:00

"He can use the nickname, good fighter," " Reminds me a little of me. Glad we came in different eras, wouldn't have been room for both of us."

Art "Golden Boy" Aragon, November. 1949

2011-08-06T06:03:00.000-07:00

Art Aragon, billed as The Golden Boy, is taking the title quite seriously. He wears a gold colored robe and drives a gold colored Cadillac..

Art "Golden Boy" Aragon/Joey Abasta Jan. 6, 1958

2011-08-06T05:59:00.000-07:00

Arthur Anthony Aragon, erstwhile Golden Boy, scored a 6th round TKO over Joey Abasta, Aragon, 154, Abasta, 146. A near-capacity crowd of 2500 saw the bout in Tucson Arizona. It was Art's second scrap since his license was issued by the State Athletic Commission, following the court reversal of the 1 to 5 year sentence imposed on him last year on the charge of fixing a fight. In his first scrap, he whipped Woody Winslow in San Diego before a near-capacity crowd of 3400. that was in December. Evidently the Golden Boy has not lost his box-office appeal..

Ramon Tiscareno/Alvaro Guttierez April. 27 1957

2011-08-06T05:53:00.001-07:00

His long, enforced vacation evidently didn't hurt Ramon Tiscareno, 146 for he outslugged newly -arrived Alvaro Guttierez of Mexico, 146 at Hollywood Legion Stadium to win by TKO in the 6th. Guttierez' right eye was cut, and there seemed to be an assortment of cuts inside his mouth. He was spouting blood like a geyser.

Baby Arizmendi/Irish Jackie Carter August. 22, 1939

2011-08-05T05:06:00.000-07:00

Baby Arizmendi turned "killer" in his clash with Irish Jackie Carter at the Olympic Auditorium, knocking the Washington D.C. kid stiff in the first round. Although the first hard right that floored Carter for nine really spelled his doom. Arizmendi had to drop the baby-faced Irishman four times to keep him down for the count. Arizmendi weighed 137 1/2, Carter 136.

'GOLDEN BOY' ART ARAGON QUITS BOXING

2011-08-02T05:57:00.001-07:00

Los Angeles, Jan 23 1960

Art Aragon "Golden Boy" of boxing, has called it quits after a 16 year career in which he received more than a million dollers in purses. The 32 year old native of New Mexico reached his decision here thursday night after suffering a ninth round technical knockout by Alvaro Gutierrez. "I'm glad I didn't win" Aragon said after the defeat. "If I had won I would have fought again and I'd wind up getting hurt. I'm glad it's over."

Art "Golden Boy" Aragon:

2011-07-31T07:14:00.000-07:00

"Somebody asked me, 'What's the first thing you do in a fight?' I bleed!" Reminiscing about his fight with Carmen Basilio, "The bell rings for the first round. I ran to the centre of the ring. I threw a hard left hook, an uppercut, two right hands and another left hook. Then he came to the centre of the ring!" "Basilio, what a guy . He was so tough. I was a lightweight and he was a middleweight champion. But I was the Golden Boy, and the Golden Boy was supposed to do things, Unheard of, I couldn't do this. So I hit him with my best shot, right on the chin. Whack! He just smiles at me. My best shot, and he smiles. Thank god he went easy on me!"..

Art "Golden Boy" Aragon:

2011-07-31T06:42:00.001-07:00

"When I first came from New Mexico, they said 'You're Mexican, right?' And I said, 'No, I'm Spanish. We were Spanish. All our people come from Italy [and Spain] So [they thought] I was a goddam spic denying I was a Mexican." "So that made 'em mad to begin with." "Later I said 'Viva Mexico!' but it was too late."

Olympic Auditorium Official Programe Art Aragon/Phil Kim Oct 16 1952

2011-07-31T04:26:00.000-07:00

ART ARAGON
California's number one box office attraction faces one of the stiffest tests of his career when he tangles with Phil "Wildcat" Kim, Hawaii's welterweight champion. A terrific puncher in his own right, Art will be facing one of the hardest belters in the 147 pound class. Big money matches with Kid Gavilan and Chuck Davey are in the making for the Golden Boy-but he must first get by this tireless performer from Honolulu.

PHIL KIM
Now ranked ninth among the worlds welterweights, Phil "Wildcat" Kim hopes a win over Art Aragon will lead to his goal-a shot at Kid Gavilan's title. The Pineapple Puncher has stopped six out of seven foes since invading the mainland. Kim carries dynamite in both hands and takes a good punch himself. Win, lose or draw, Phil Kim will give the fans their money's worth.

Art "Golden Boy" Aragon vs Benny Black, Hollywood Stadium May 20 1949

2011-07-30T06:23:00.000-07:00

If Art Aragon could have caught up with Benny Black and made him hold still until Art could park one solid punch on Benny's chin-Aragon would still be "Atomic Art" of Hollywood Stadium. But Black is fast, cagey and apparently unaccommodating, so Aragon had to be content with the ten round decision, garnered at much embarrassment, due to considerable missing in the early rounds and complete exhaustion at the finish. Aragon cornered Black in the sixth and belabored him with both fists, but Benny's bicycle came to the rescue. Although tired, Art decked Black for a nine-count in the eighth, but was so weary at the end of the round that Benny was able to jab out an edge in the final two heats. Black, a despised 10-to-1 underdog, was cheered by the crowd for his "moral victory." Aragon weighed 139, Black 146.

CBHOF...2006

2011-07-28T11:50:00.000-07:00

(L-to-R)
Tony Baltazar,Louie Loy Sr.,Frank Baltazar and Frankie Baltazar.
To Frankie's left, his mom and my wife (In white) Connie.
In front Tony's daughter Kakojua.

Timothy Bradley doing his fighting out of the ring

2011-07-23T16:29:00.000-07:00

Timothy Bradley doing his fighting out of the ring

Junior-welterweight champion turned down a chance for a unification bout against Amir Khan this weekend, primarily because of financial squabble with his promoters.

Timothy Bradley is being criticized for turning down an unification title bout against Amir Khan. (Christina House / For The Times / January 14, 2011)

By Lance Pugmire

July 21, 2011
This was supposed to be Timothy Bradley's weekend.

Instead, the unbeaten WBC and WBO junior-welterweight champion from Palm Springs has been torched by critics for not accepting a Saturday title unification date against Amir Khan and a $1.5-million-plus payday.

"I'm not hurting for money," Bradley said this week. "I've saved my money. I'm in a good position."

Britain's Khan, who'll instead fight veteran Zab Judah in an HBO-televised title bout at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, has accused Bradley (27-0, 11 knockouts) of being afraid to risk defeat.

Khan made Bradley, 27, an offer of a 50-50 split of United Kingdom pay-per-view revenue beyond the guaranteed $1.3 million HBO had promised Bradley to fight Kahn after his January victory over then-unbeaten Devon Alexander outside Detroit.

"He knew he'd get beat, that's why he didn't take the fight," Khan said of Bradley last week. "He's not an exciting fighter, can't even fill 2,000-seat arenas in his hometown."

Bradley counters he still wants to fight Khan — just not now, when his promoters Gary Shaw and Ken Thompson were due a sizable cut of Bradley's purse in the final fight of their contract.

Shaw and Thompson have sued Bradley to collect their share of the HBO-promised Khan purse, plus damages, and are seeking to stop Bradley from working under another promoter until their dispute is resolved.

The promoters in June distributed a letter to all major promoters advising them not to tamper with Bradley. Bradley said he's retaining his own legal team.

The dispute results mostly from the Bradley-Alexander bout.

Bradley and his manager, Cameron Dunkin, fumed the night before the Alexander fight when they learned from a financial disclosure form that Shaw — thanks to a hefty Pontiac Silverdome site fee — would pocket an estimated $600,000 while Bradley's fight fee was his guaranteed $1.1 million.

"I've never even seen Don King do something like this," Dunkin barked that evening.

Shaw answers that "Timmy got real bad advice" and opted to take the $1.1-million guarantee rather than accepting a 75%-25% split that would have paid him nearly $1.3 million.

Shaw's attorney has argued the promoters helped build Bradley's career, and they are entitled to compensation when the boxer has made it clear he was leaving them this year.

As a deadline loomed two months ago for Bradley to agree to the Khan fight, it became clear he wouldn't budge. Bradley said this week the Detroit ordeal "put me over the edge."

Said Shaw: "I don't understand how … you can pass up the opportunity to be the No. 3 fighter in the world with a win [over Khan]. Everybody would be running after Timmy if he had taken and won this fight."

Of Shaw and Thompson, Bradley said, "We've gone as far as we can together. At this point, I want to become a bigger name and get to the bigger fish."

Bradley said fighting Khan now is "too soon.… The fight can marinate a little longer."

Bradley insists the litigation won't stop him from fighting again this year. "My 10-year-old [stepson] can figure out what they want: money," Bradley said of the promoters.

One possible scenario is for Bradley to pay a settlement fee, allowing a promoter like Bob Arum to make a fight for Bradley — possibly on the Manny Pacquiao-Juan Manuel Marquez card Nov. 14 — and allow Bradley to recoup the settlement.

On Saturday, Khan and Judah will fight for the IBF and WBA junior-welterweight titles.

If Bradley won a fight later this year on an attractive pay-per-view card, he would be positioned next year to either fight for a unification of the junior-welterweight belts, or be a possible foe for Pacquiao should Floyd Mayweather Jr. be unavailable again.

Bradley dismissed concerns about his extended layoff, noting he's "constantly training" but is happy he's at home this week because his wife, Monica, is due to give birth soon to the couple's first child.

"You know how I'd be feeling now if I had taken that fight? I'd be a nervous wreck," Bradley said. "I'm a family-first guy."

lance.pugmire@latimes.com

Saul "Canelo" Alvarez to defend title at Staples Center

2011-07-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

Mexico's Saul "Canelo" Alvarez will defend his world super-welterweight belt Sept. 17 at Staples Center against former "The Contender" reality-TV fighter Alfonso Gomez, boxing officials said.

Alvarez (37-0-1, 27 KOs) claimed the belt at Anaheim's Honda Center in March, then defended it with a 12th-round technical knockout of Ryan Rhodes in June. The fight against Gomez (23-4-2) will be the main event of the Staples card, and be televised as part of the Floyd Mayweather Jr.-Victor Ortiz pay-per-view card from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Golden Boy Promotions also said former world champion Erik Morales will fight Anthony Crolla in Las Vegas that night.

----------------------------------

When the hell is Alvarez going to fight somebody that is not a human punching bag??....Gomez is nothing more than a class B fighter, always has been, and always will be....

Almost five decades later, boxer Davey Moore's death still resonates

2011-07-18T06:43:00.000-07:00

The featherweight champion's death after a 1963 bout at Dodger Stadium prompted Bob Dylan to take boxing to task in his song 'Who Killed Davey Moore?' This month, Sports Illustrated rated it the best sports song of all time.
Davey Moore

Davey Moore, left, trades punches with Sugar Ramos during the first round of a featherweight title bout at Dodger Stadium in 1963. Moore fell into a coma after the fight and died three days later. (Associated Press / March 21, 1963)

By Jerry Crowe

July 17, 2011

Davey Moore may be gone, but he's not forgotten.

Longtime boxing fans remember him as a featherweight champion who fell into a coma shortly after losing his title in a bout at Dodger Stadium in March 1963, and died three days later.

Pop music fans remember him as the ghostly presence in Bob Dylan's anti-boxing harangue, "Who Killed Davey Moore?"

And Moore's 75-year-old widow, Geraldine, remembers him as a hardworking provider and loving husband and father.

"We got along famously," she says.

She's tickled that her late husband's name reentered the public consciousness this month when Sports Illustrated ranked Dylan's accusatory ballad, in which several characters deny their culpability in Moore's death, as the No. 1 sports song of all time.

She calls it "not such a bad song" but also admits, "I really didn't listen to it that much. I kind of avoid stuff like that."

She's grateful, however, for anything that keeps her late husband's memory alive, such as a statue in his hometown of Springfield, Ohio, that sits in storage while backers work to raise the last $30,000 needed to have it bronzed.

Moore would be the first athlete and first African American so honored in Springfield, notes Tom Archdeacon, a Dayton Daily News sports columnist leading a push to secure the funding.

"But it's hard times in the Rust Belt," Archdeacon says.

Moore was well known in Springfield — and far beyond — even before Dylan wrote about his final bout, of course.

His match against Cuban émigré Sugar Ramos was part of the only fight card ever staged at Dodger Stadium, a "Carnival of Champions" tripleheader of world-championship bouts that drew a crowd of more than 25,000.

"It was a hell of a fight," says John Hall, a former Times boxing writer and sports columnist. "Both guys punched each other around and, up to the last minute, Davey kept coming back."

In the 10th round, however, the 29-year-old champion was knocked to the canvas for the second time, the back of his head snapping against the bottom rope.

The referee stopped the fight before the 11th round.

Afterward, a lucid Moore met with reporters for 40 minutes, telling them, "It just wasn't my night," and vowing revenge.

Then he fell unconscious.

"He was in control of himself right up until the time he passed out," Hall says. "It was really a shocking, awful thing, the way he went out. Nobody had any idea he was that badly hurt."

Doctors later said that swelling in his injured brain stem sent Moore into a coma. He never awakened.

In death, Moore left behind three daughters and two sons, impetus for boxing to install safer ropes and grist for a "searing indictment of the fight game," as Sports Illustrated described Dylan's song, introduced only weeks after the fight.

"Who killed Davey Moore?" Dylan sings. "Why and what's the reason for?" A series of characters — the referee, the boxing fan, the manager, the gambler, the sportswriter, the opponent — all sing, "No, you can't blame me at all."

The All Music Guide called it "one of Bob Dylan's absolute worst songs," reviewer Stewart Mason noting, "Boxing is corrupt and violent? Who knew?" And Dylan didn't include it on an official release until nearly 30 years later.

In Ohio, Moore's widow paid the song little mind.

Six weeks after her husband's death, she took a government job arranged for her by then-Ohio Gov. Jim Rhodes.

"Naturally, you're sad and you miss your husband, and the children miss their dad," she says, "but you just have to move on. You can't just die because he died. . . .

"My mother and dad stepped right in and helped me with the children and I took that job and didn't look back."

Thirty-two years later, her children all grown, she retired. Briefly remarried in the early 1970s, she is matriarch of a family that includes nine grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

"And sometime this fall," she says from her apartment in Springfield, "I'll have my first great-great-grandchild."

Who killed Davey Moore?

She doesn't point fingers.

"I can't blame boxing for my husband's death," she says. "Boxing made us a good living when he was alive, and he loved it."

Maybe Dylan does too.

He told Rolling Stone that boxing was his favorite form of exercise and, according to Los Angeles magazine, the rock bard owns a secret fight club beneath a Santa Monica coffee shop where he once was knocked down by actress Gina Gershon.

One of his earliest songs, "I Shall Be Free No. 10," includes the lines, "I was shadow boxin' early in the day/I figured I was ready for Cassius Clay." And another, "Hurricane," is a powerful protest song that tells the tale of Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, a falsely imprisoned former middleweight contender.

Archdeacon, the Dayton newspaperman, laid all this out in a column when Dylan's tour stopped in Dayton two summers ago, hoping to appeal to the singer's sensibilities.

He envisioned Dylan opening his wallet for Moore's statue.

"I was hoping he'd see it and say, 'Here's $30,000,'" Archdeacon notes. "But that didn't happen."

jerome.crowe@latimes.com

Boxing at California State Prison, Chino, California--1952

2011-07-16T05:25:00.002-07:00

Mosley loses title belts in divorce

2011-07-15T09:08:00.001-07:00

Not only has Shane Mosley been on the losing end of his latest boxing matches, he is also losing the fight in the courtroom as well. Per TMZ Sports, Mosley’s ex-wife Jin Mosley will be awarded 3 championship belts as part of their divorce settlement. Ouch. Here are some details:

The settlement provides that ex-wife Jin “shall maintain custody and control of three championship belts for each of the respective parties’ three minor children.” Each of the kids get a belt when they turn 18.

And Jin will get half of Sugar Shane’s cut of profits from videotapes and DVDs of his big fights, including bouts with Oscar De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto and Fernando Vargas.

Since the divorce was filed in California and community property rules apply, Jin gets half of Sugar Shane’s fight purses during their marriage.

Shane Mosley won’t have to split the $3mil he pocketed for his sparring match fight with Manny Pacquiao as the fight took place after the 2009 split, so there’s a small silver lining to an overall disappointing judgement. Not to mention the 21-year-old bombshell Bella Gonzalez that Shane has bagged, so I think Shane is sleeping well. Or not at all, depending on how you look at it.

Art "Golden Boy" Aragon/Bolton Ford, Fight-26th August 1949

2011-07-15T07:24:00.001-07:00

During the rest period after the opening round of his clash with Art Aragon, 136, at the Hollywood Stadium, Bolton Ford, 136, Pittsburgh, appeared very much at ease. He had just garnered the first round with a few rights to the body, had not been hit a solid blow, and was probably recalling his start in this ring last winter when he scored the upset of the year. What Ford didn't realize was that Aragon had held back and was coolly planning the pittsburgher's doom. Aragon took over in the second round. The Golden Boy (You're welcome, Art) sunk a couple of hooks into Ford's furnace. Bolton lowered his guard-and Aragon lowered the boom! A left hook put the muscular Pittsburgher flat on his back, looking up and seeing the roof still there. Bolton scrambled to his feet at the count of seven. Aragon moved in quickly and dropped Ford with another left hook to the button. Bolton was up at the count of 3 this time, but he was wearing the expression of a guy in love and when referee Johnny Indrisano saw that far away look in Ford's eyes-the setto was declared over..

Valley boxing great Gabe Terronez dies at 71

2011-07-15T07:21:00.001-07:00

By Bryant-Jon Anteola / The Fresno Bee

Gabe Terronez, a Fresno native who rose from humble beginnings as a migrant farmworker to become one of the top welterweight fighters in the world, died Friday morning. He was 71.

A headline boxer and a popular local figure during the 1960s, Mr. Terronez became a role model in the Hispanic community after leaving his life as a Corcoran teenager who picked fruits and cotton up and down the central San Joaquin Valley to serve in the Marines and then fight professionally for seven years.

Mr. Terronez competed in the U.S. Olympic trials in 1960 and went 31-3 with 27 knockouts as an amateur before emerging as the No. 5 world-ranked welterweight with a 32-8 record and 19 knockouts as a pro. Mr. Terronez was inducted into the Fresno Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000.

"He was a special boxer, such a natural puncher," said Pat DiFuria Sr., who trained and managed Terronez. "For a 145-pounder, he was the strongest man I'd ever seen. And the fans loved him; his charisma.

"He was a slugger, and no matter what punch he'd hit you with, he was going to hurt you. Fresno never saw a fighter more exciting."

Among his top achievements in the ring, Mr. Terronez knocked out Charley "Tiger" Smith to win the state title and split a pair of fights against ranked Puerto Rican Jose Stable.

In 1965, Mr. Terronez lasted four rounds against welterweight champion Emil Griffith before losing in a non-title bout fought before thousands of fans at the Kearney Bowl in Fresno.

Mr. Terronez would get the crowd in the mood before his fights by walking toward the ring with Mariachi music playing during introductions.

His nicknames – "The Little Professor" and "Choir Boy" – were earned for maintaining a squeaky-clean image outside of the ring, going to school and singing in the church choir but boxing professionally to help pay for his tuition.

Mr. Terronez was the first in his family to earn a college degree after graduating from Fresno State.

"Being a Hispanic fighter, people in the community could relate to him and they started to look up to him," said Fresno City Council Member Sal Quintero, a longtime friend. "He was like them. He didn't have much money. And yet, he was doing great things."

Shortly after marrying the late Elizabeth Huerta, Mr. Terronez retired from boxing at 29 years old in 1969. He went on to work for California Gov. Ronald Reagan's office as a community relations consultant, then with the University of California Cooperative Extension and helped students of migrant upbringing find professional work.

Still, boxing remained in him. And Mr. Terronez would often bob and weave as if he still were fighting while sitting down and watching a match.

"You could never sneak up on my dad," said Stephanie Terronez, the boxer's oldest of five children. "His reflexes were always lightning fast, and his fist was cocked back whenever he caught you trying."

Mr. Terronez retired early from his professional career to attend to his ailing wife, who died in 1992 after a five-year fight with cancer. Elizabeth Huerta Terronez was the first Hispanic principal in Fresno. A middle school in the city's southeast side is named in honor of the late Bullard High principal.

During their 25 years of marriage, they attended numerous athletic high school events. In the years after her passing, Mr. Terronez found comfort listening to classical music and playing golf.

Mr. Terronez is survived by children Stephanie, Dante, Desiree, Damien and Nicole.

A memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday at St John's Cathedral.

Tony Baltazar, summer of 1964, age 3 1/2

2011-07-12T16:46:00.000-07:00

Frankie Baltazar (R) with unknown opponent

2011-07-11T19:45:00.000-07:00

Tony Baltazar (R) with unknown opponent...Stanton A.C.

2011-07-11T19:42:00.000-07:00

Tony Baltazar at 3 1/5 taking a jab, or is that a hook? by a unknown opponent.

2011-07-11T13:07:00.000-07:00

Enrique Bolanos

2011-07-11T05:16:00.000-07:00

Enrique Bolanos does something that our other local lightweights do not do-he stops most of his imported opponents. He isn't a terrific puncher, but he does hit solidly and possesses the fighting spirit to finish a foe, once he has him hurt. Lulu Costantino was the fiery Mexican's latest K.0. victim. And it was the first time in his career that Lulu didn't go the distance. It happened in the 7th round at the Los Angeles Olympic before a sellout crowd of 10,400.
Costantino is still a clever defensive boxer and a cutie in all departments of the game, but these smoothies never have bothered Bolanos too much. The New Yorker was the artful dodger at times, and he scored a few points in occasional spurts, but most of the time he was bicycling to escape punishment. A hard one-two early in the 7th put Costantino flat on his back. He arose at the count of 7 in a dazed condition and backed into the ropes, with hands dangling at his sides. Enrique sprang in for the kill, rocked the Italian with a left and right before referee Johnny Indrisano could move in to stop it. Each weighed 134..

The Ring Magazine's Annual Ratings: 1978 As selected by The Ring magazine in the March 1979 issue.

2011-07-10T17:43:00.000-07:00

Heavyweights

Muhammad Ali, Champion

1. Larry Holmes
2. Ken Norton
3. Leon Spinks
4. Ron Lyle
5. Jimmy Young
6. Kallie Knoetze
7. Alfredo Evangelista
8. Gerrie Coetzee
9. Ossie Ocasio
10. Domingo D'Elia

Light Heavyweights

Title Vacant

1. Mike Rossman
2. Matthew Franklin
3. John Conteh
4. Yaqui Lopez
5. Marvin Johnson
6. Mate Parlov
7. Victor Emilio Galindez
8. James Scott
9. Vonzell Johnson
10. Bobby Cassidy

Middleweights

Hugo Pastor Corro, Champion

1. Marvin Hagler
2. Vito Antuofermo
3. Ronnie Harris
4. Marcos Geraldo
5. Mike Colbert
6. Bennie Briscoe
7. Rudy Robles
8. Tony Chiaverini
9. Elijah Makathini
10. Bobby Watts

Junior Middleweights

Masashi Kudo, Champion

1. Ayub Kalule
2. Rocky Mattioli
3. Maurice Hope
4. Rocky Mosley Jr.
5. Edgar Ross
6. Frank Wissenbach
7. Alvin Anderson
8. Loucif Hamani
9. Marijan Benes
10. Mustafa Hamsho

Welterweights

Carlos Palomino, Champion

1. Pipino Cuevas
2. Clyde Gray
3. Sugar Ray Leonard
4. Johnny Gant
5. Harold Weston
6. Pete Ranzany
7. Randy Shields
8. Davey (Boy) Green
9. Thomas Hearns
10. Andy Price

Junior Welterweights

Wilfred Benitez, Champion

1. Antonio Cervantes
2. Saensak Muangsurin
3. Esteban De Jesus
4. Miguel Montilla
5. Saoul Mamby
6. Domingo Ayala
7. Nani Marrero
8. Jo Kimpuani
9. Adolfo Viruet
10. Sean O'Grady

Lightweights

Roberto Duran, Champion

1. Alfredo Pitalua
2. Giancarlo Usai
3. Vilomar Fernandez
4. Claude Noel
5. Jim Watt
6. Johnny Lira
7. Edwin Viruet
8. Termite Watkins
9. Julio Valdez
10. Herman Montes

Junior Lightweights

Samuel Serrano, Champion

1. Frankie Baltazar
2. Alexis Arguello
3. Rafael (Bazooka) Limon
4. Alfredo Escalera
5. Natale Vezzoli
6. Bobby Chacon
7. Arturo Leon
8. Ernesto Espana
9. Walter Seeley
10. Greg Coverson

Featherweights

Title Vacant

1. Danny Lopez
2. Wilfredo Gomez
3. Eusebio Pedroza
4. Ricardo Cardona
5. Roberto Castanon
6. Ruben Castillo
7. Cecilio Lastra
8. Hector Carrasquilla
9. Mike Ayala
10. Juan Domingo Malvarez

Bantamweights

Jorge Lujan, Champion

1. Lupe Pintor
2. Carlos Zarate
3. Franco Zurlo
4. Alfonso Zamora
5. Alberto Sandoval
6. Frankie Duarte
7. Richard Rozelle
8. Roberto Rubaldino
9. Alberto Davila
10. Enrique Sanchez

Flyweights

Miguel Canto, Champion

1. Yoko Gushiken
2. Betulio Gonzalez
3. Guty Espadas
4. Franco Udella
5. Sung Jun Kim
6. Freddy Castillo
7. Netrnoi Sor Vorasingh
8. Jose Ortiz
9. Charlie Magri
10. Shoji Oguma

Torres vs Andrade was one of the best action fights ever seen at the Olympic, 7-16-1960

2011-07-09T16:03:00.000-07:00

Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California

Battling Torres L Cisco Andrade KO 7 10

Tony Herrera W Richie Robinson KO 3 6

Eddie Alvarado W Art Ennis TKO 2 6

Ernie Cuadras W Garfield Gray PTS 4 4

Johnny Glasgow W Gino Hernandez PTS 4 4

6-22-1951 Legion Stadium, Hollywood, California. The night my hero's fought

2011-07-09T13:29:00.000-07:00

Eddie Chavez L Enrique Bolanos UD 12 12

Gil Cadilli D Keeny Teran PTS 6 6

Sammy Figueroa W Al Galindo UD 6 6

Morrie McFarland W Tony Renteria KO 2 4

Jesse Morales W Eddie Hernandez PTS 4 4

2-14-1950 Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California

2011-07-09T13:18:00.000-07:00

Art Aragon W Enrique Bolanos TKO 12 12

Dave Gallardo W Bob DiGiovanni PTS 4 4

Chu Chu Jiminez W Rocky Haro PTS 4 4

Refugio Rodriguez W Manuel Maldonado PTS 4 4

Johnny Novella W Chuck Thompson PTS 4 4

Bobby Garza W Jimmy Dunn PTS 4 4

12-20-1956 Olympic Auditorium, Los Angeles, California

2011-07-09T11:36:00.000-07:00

Mickey Northrup L Rudy Jordan UD 10 10

Kid Gavilan L Ramon Fuentes SD 10 10

Dwight Hawkins W Leo Carter TKO 1 6

Alvin Moore D Buddy Ford PTS 4 4

Benny Robledo W Bill Garrett PTS 4 4

Cohen talks

2011-07-08T20:59:00.000-07:00

"I killed nobody that didn't deserve killing. In all of these here killings there was no alternative. You couldn't call them cold-blooded killings.... It was either my life or theirs."
Mickey Cohen

May 19, 1957
Los Angeles

I suppose in hindsight it's easy to see why interviewing Mickey Cohen on live television was a bad idea. But at the time, as Mike Wallace admits, it seemed like a wonderful coup against the competition.

If you don't know anything about Cohen, you might not understand what an outspoken and profane man he was. But Wallace certainly knew. And those viewers who skipped Dr. Joyce Brothers on the "$64,000 Challenge" experienced an obscene tirade from the little mobster.

Unfortunately, the original newspaper accounts give very little of Cohen's remarks except to say they were unprintable. "Cohen was interviewed over a national ABC network show last night and admitted he has killed at least one man in self-defense," The Mirror said. "He hurled a series of unprintable charges against [Los Angeles Police Chief William H.] Parker.

" 'Gestapo tactics' was the kindest phrase he used. The laws governing libel and slander prohibit repetition of the charges in a newspaper," The Mirror said.

But some information can be gleaned from news accounts. In addition to claiming that he had killed a man, Cohen said his gambling operations once handled $600,000 in bets and that politicians needed him at election time and allowed him to operate with impunity.

He also said: "My sources of power were higher than former Mayor Bowron's and former Police Chief Horrall's."

Former Mayor Fletcher Bowron, who had returned to the Superior Court bench after being elected mayor in the 1938 recall of Frank Shaw, said it was beneath his dignity to respond to Cohen's allegations. Former Chief Clemence B. "Jack" Horrall, who headed the LAPD during World War II, said Cohen operated in the county rather than the city. "He tried to operate in the city and we ran him out," Horrall said. "Cohen's a liar."

But ABC-TV made a critical error. Recall that this was before the days of videotape. Instead, shows were preserved on kinescopes in which a movie camera filmed images on a TV picture tube, and these were shown on the West Coast three hours later. Although ABC executives had no idea what Cohen was going to say on the live show, they were well aware of Cohen's comments and decided to proceed with the West Coast broadcast three hours later.

Former Mirror reporter Cliff Dektar, who was handling publicity for ABC in Los Angeles, recalls watching the show with The Times TV critic at the network's studios:

"I hosted Cecil Smith, Times TV critic at the ABC TV Center executive viewing room, Prospect and Talmadge.

"Outrageous, and the phone rang. It was lawyer in NY. l say nothing (there is a reporter sitting next to me).

"Parker and [Police Capt. James] Hamilton (the intelligence squad captain) gave ABC and WC head Earl Hudson opportunity to cancel WC repeat (kinescope) and get out trouble...Mr. Hudson declined and Hamilton won a major slander suit against ABC.

"It was a most interesting event...oh yes...took Cecil and his wife to dinner following."

Parker was furious, and turned down a network offer to respond on Wallace's show the next week. "That sort of thing is more insidious than Confidential," Parker said. "You have to go down to the newsstand to buy a magazine and you get this in your living room."

"As a police officer, I am used to being shot at. But how can a person like Cohen be allowed to assassinate my character?" Parker said.

ABC issued an apology the next week, but the controversy continued.

George Kimball fought to give voice to boxing Former Herald columnist, 67, dies

2011-07-08T06:54:00.000-07:00

By Michael Gee

Some months ago, as it was getting close to the end and my friend George Kimball was very, very sick, he came up from New York to give a book reading. It was at an Irish pub (of course), downtown, to publicize, “The Fighter Still Remains,” an anthology of boxing writing he edited with John Schulian. Except George couldn’t do the reading. He could answer questions, and did, but the cancer made prolonged speech impossible, and even George knew it.

Instead of a live reading, the audience was treated to a recorded reading. The folk musician, Tom Paxton, read a Jimmy Cannon column on Archie Moore. A celebrated American musician gave voice to a great American sportswriter who had given his voice to the life and skills of a great American boxer. Our culture did itself proud in those five or six minutes.

George died Wednesday night at age 67, and of all the time we shared over more than 30 years, that reading is the most vivid illustration of his life and sportswriting I can share here. He loved sports — boxing most of all — he loved fine prose, occasionally even his own, and he was going to make the most of those loves come what may.

George was diagnosed with cancer in 2005, about four months after he retired from the Herald. From then until now, he had five books published as an author and editor. Two of them were collections of columns, one from The Irish Times, the other taken from his post-2005 work for a variety of boxing Web sites unknown outside the boxing world itself. And George continued to write pieces on boxing and golf for the Herald as well.

In other words, after retirement, and after being diagnosed with an evil illness, George didn’t do less work, he took on more than he might have before he retired. George didn’t “fight” cancer, as is the meaningless cliche. He did something better. He ignored it. George had something to say about boxing, and was going to keep on saying it.

The voice of Tom Paxton at the reading symbolizes the other notable aspect of George Kimball’s career — the large number and extraordinary nature of the social circles it contained. Angry Young Man to Grand Old Man is the most-worn career path in American letters, but a career arc of ’60s Radical Poet and Activist to Dean of Boxing Writers must be its most singular variation.

There was one other professional love of George’s life: You’re looking at it. The Herald meant more to him than he ever let on, especially to his employers and superiors. George was a columnist here from 1980 to 2005, a quarter of a century. Here is where he made the transition from Angry Young to Grand Old. Here is where he got to have the most fun there is, being a big-city tabloid sports columnist. Here is where he found professional true love No. 2: boxing writing.

He expressed his gratitude by trying to make reading as enjoyable as he found writing. A series of shared misadventures — too long for newspaper space allows me to state — illustrates that one of George’s dominant personality traits was a love of mischief. That’s a very good attribute for sportswriters, and a better one for their readers.

Those shared misadventures and all the other experiences I shared with George were my cherished privilege. And I do not leave out this one: The night in Dublin when we drove down a one-way street the wrong way that just happened to be in front of the Dail (their Congress) building, with some guy I’d never seen before in the back seat who really wanted to avoid contact with the police because of his considerable contact with the IRA. We got out of that scrape when George put on a display of confused American tourist jabber that Chevy Chase must’ve stolen for “European Vacation.”

But in a fundamental way, I think his readers, all of them, knew him just as well, if not better. They knew the ferocious regard for facts. They were shown the vivid people and ugly, addictive drama that make up boxing and why George loved it. They were treated to George’s conviction that sports was a fit topic for an old-fashioned man of letters. They were lucky, just as I was.

George Kimball is survived by his wife, Marge Marash, his children, Darcy and Teddy, his mother, brothers, sisters and a vast number of friends. He is also survived by the sport of boxing and the idea that sportswriting and literature can be peers.

The two most fitting tributes to his memory would be this: Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather would get off the dime and fight each other and millions and millions of people would read all about it. Then those millions would keep on reading about sports, each and every day.

Rios is a 2-fisted transformer

2011-07-08T05:44:00.001-07:00

Unbeaten Oxnard fighter goes from a jail cell to a world championship in just two years.

By Robert Morales, Staff Writer
SGVT
07/07/2011

Brandon Rios stood outside Fortune Boxing Gym on Tuesday. He appeared relaxed and loose, the picture of contentment.

And why not? He went from wearing jail jumpsuits in Kansas just two years ago to a lightweight world championship belt in February, courtesy of his 10th-round stoppage of Miguel Acosta of Venezuela at The Palms Casino in Las Vegas.

Oxnard's Rios, who Saturday will make his first defense against Urbano Antillon (28-2, 20 KOs) of Maywood at Home Depot Center (on Showtime), told this newspaper ahead of the Acosta fight that meeting and marrying his wife went a long way in turning around his life, which had been filled with too many short stints in jail.

Rios reiterated that Tuesday. But that wasn't his first thought in the moments following his stoppage of Acosta.

"I was happy because I made my dad's dream come true," said Rios, who decked Acosta three times. "Ever since I was a little kid, I always told my dad (Manuel) I was going to become a world champion. I told my dad all the time. Everybody didn't believe me, but my dad. My dad was the only one that believed me.

"When I became world champion, when I knocked out Acosta, that's what mostly got me."

Rios isn't the only one feeling proud as a peacock about his metamorphosis. His Hall of Fame promoter, Bob Arum, is equally stoked that Rios has gone from the outhouse to the penthouse.

"We tend to forget how young these guys are and a lot of
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it has to do with maturity," said Arum, who was wearing dressy shorts inside of the oven that is most boxing gyms. "When they're young kids and they're very hyper, usually, sometimes they're uncontrollable.

"Once they get older, the smarter ones, the fortunate ones, develop maturity and they realize that they can't conduct their lives in that irresponsible way. ... So while he's as ferocious as he ever was in the ring, he's a lot more grounded now than he was before."

Street fights were what got Rios in the most trouble. One resulted in a two-month stint in the slammer. His trainer, Robert Garcia, had difficulty keeping Rios in Oxnard, where Rios had moved from Kansas to train with Garcia. But when things got to a point where Garcia wasn't sure if they would turn around, he and Rios' manager Cameron Dunkin stepped in.

"We brought him in and took over his career," Garcia said. "And I told myself and Cameron Dunkin, `Let's keep giving him a chance, let's keep going, because he's got a great heart and tremendous talent.' We didn't give up and now we're in good position."

To Rios, the victory over a champion like Acosta was the ultimate climax completing his turn-around.

"In the Miguel Acosta fight, I think I showed the world that I have a lot of heart and that I love boxing a lot and that I love the business," said Rios, 25. "After the first couple of rounds, the way Acosta was doing his job, I kept to my game plan and I overcame it and I knocked him out.

"I think I impressed a lot of people."

As Garcia said, Rios is now in good position. At 27-0-1 and 20 knockouts, he is an outstanding fighter who has the opportunity to make an indelible mark on boxing.

"There are just so many things out there that Bob Arum could do (for Rios)," Garcia said. "I've talked to Cameron Dunkin and there are just so many things. Especially in his weight division, then moving up to 140 in the future, there are so many fights out there that are possible and that I know Bob Arum can make happen.

"Brandon knows how important this is. He knows the importance of winning this fight and what can come after that."

Rios could cash in quite nicely. But Arum cautioned that because of the way Rios fights - toe-to-toe - his window may not be open as long as others.

"He's always going to be in a tough fight, which means that his career will be shorter rather than longer because there's a limit to what you can keep absorbing," Arum said. "I believe that he can earn a lot of money, which is the name of the game."

He won't have to use any of it for bail, either.

BOXING UPDATE MAGAZINE JUNE 1996: DEATH OF A BOXING SCOUNDREL

2011-07-07T12:49:00.000-07:00

BOXING UPDATE MAGAZINE JUNE 1996: DEATH OF A BOXING SCOUNDREL

-Frank Blinky Palermo died a month ago at 91 but it was 50-60 years too late for boxing. The convicted extortionist who, along with Frankie Carbo and three other less lights, went to Federal prison in the mid 50s, passed away in Philadelphia, his long time fief. Hardly anybody realized he was still living let alone dying and the list of mourners was blank. Those who found out later did not shed a tear.

Plain and simple, Palermo was an undercover fight manager, a fight fixer and gangland figure who got rich directing the careers of such as Ike Williams, Johnny Saxton, Coley Wallace, Virgil Akins, Billy Fox, Clarence Henry, Dan Bucceroni, in between operating the biggest numbers (illegal lottery) game in Philadelphia. With Carbo (allegedly the brains of the fight fixing practice) Blinkys stable of fighters would win or lose on command and the payoffs in betting were astronomical. And of course, there was the almost always mandatory rematch fight with surprising results. Blinkys biggest heist was the importation of his undefeated middleweight Blackjack Billy Fox from Philly into Madison Square Garden and subsequent knockout of Jake LaMotta in 1947.

LaMotta was popularly known as “king of the middleweights and was a heavy early betting favorite. But shortly before the bell the air of a fix was in the air and the bookmakers refused to take any more bets. In the ring, Jake permitted himself to absorb countless punches from Fox without any retaliation. The referee stopped the bout with the customers convinced they had witnessed a fraud.

Years later, in front of a Congressional hearing into the evils of boxing, LaMotta admitted he took a dive. In the same hearing, former great lightweight champion Williams testified that Palermo had given him a short count on the purses and the fighter was barely getting existing on welfare checks.

While the Fox fight may have been Blinkys biggest coup, his failed attempt as one of five extortionists in 1959 to steal away welterweight champion Don Jordan from his legal manager in Los Angeles was his biggest mistake. Truman Gibson Jr., a vice president and lawyer for the reigning International Boxing Club monopoly, and two Los Angeles strong-arm guys Joe Di Sica and Louis Dragna were in on the plot together with Palermo and Carbo.

The FBI handled the case which involved beating of witnesses. All five were indicted, convicted, and sentenced to Federal prison. Blinky did seven and a half years and Carbo 15 years of a 25-year sentence, dying in jail. Their power had run out, but too many years too late.

Boxing News April 28, 1948

2011-06-30T05:29:00.001-07:00

ALTHOUGH it is generally agreed that Enrique Bolanos, the Californian lightweight, is the logical contender for Ike Williams' world championship, there are two other boys who will be treading on his coat-tails pretty heavily before the year is out. Bolanos clashes with the champion at Los Angeles on May 26 and it will be a return meeting. just over two years ago they met in the same town when Ike won by a knockout in eight rounds, but a lot happened since then. Williams beat Bob Montgomery for the undisputed possession of the 135 Ib. bauble, but there are suspicions that the Trenton title-holder is slipping just a teeny-weeny bit. Bolanos had 18 fights after the title affair to the end of last year and he won 13 of them by the knock out route, four others were points victories and one was drawn. No losses. It is quite a record and he should make Ike travel. Leading lights to challenge the winner of the Williams-Bolanos clash are Johnny Williams, from Montgomery, Alabama, and Freddie Dawson, the Chicago flash..

Boxing News May 14, 1947

2011-06-30T05:25:00.000-07:00

Bob Montgomery, who disputes the world's lightweight title with Ike Williams, had matters all his own way when he disposed of Joey Barnum, a local lad, at Los Angeles recently. The Bobcat was loudly booed as he left the ring, chiefly because of an after-the-bell punch that sent his opponent to one knee. Barnum was floored early in the seventh round, got up, but was out on his feet when the referee stopped the fight...

A CHICANA IN HEAVEN!

2011-06-30T05:07:00.001-07:00

A CHICANA IN HEAVEN!

A middle aged Chicana had a heart attack and was taken

to the hospital.

While on the operating table, she had a near death experience

and the Creator appeared before her.

Seeing the Creator, she asked, "Dios mio, is my time

up?"

Dios said, "No mijita, you have another 43 years, two months and eight days to live."

The Chicana decided to stay in the hospital and have the

works done: face-lift, liposuction, chi-chi lift, nalga lift and pansa

tuck. (Write back if you need spanglish-translation)

She was all excited because she knew she had a long life

ahead and wanted to look bien chingona!

After her final operation, she was released from the hospital.

While crossing the street on her way to a taqueria, she was hit and killed by a bus.

Arriving in front of the Creator, she demanded, "Orale

pues...que Paso? I thought you said I had another 40 years to go? Why didn't you pull me out of the path of that pinche bus?"

The Creator replied, "Orale chica, I didn't recognize you

On the ropes

2011-06-29T06:28:00.002-07:00

Oct. 31, 1950: Bernard “Big Duke” Docusen hangs on to the ropes at end of the second round after taking several hard punches from John L. Davis. The referee halted the bout on a technical knockout immediately after third round started.

Times sports writer Cal Whorton reported on the fight:

John L. Davis, the cold, cruel fistic assassin out of Oakland, successfully defended his State welterweight championship last night by scoring a third-round t.k.o. over Bernard Docusen of New Orleans in the scheduled 12-round main go at the Olympic…

Docusen, throwing fast left jabs while scooting in reverse, had an edge in the opening heat when Davis had trouble locating his target.

Midway through the second, though, Davis got inside Docusen’s rangy arms and brought up a right which caught the handsome Filipino challenger on the chin. This so infuriated Big Duke that he started swapping with the champion, which was a mistake on Bernie’s part. There’s nothing Davis likes more than a foe who’ll stand up and trade with him.

For nearly a minute the two whaled away with fiery leather to each other’s head. Neither seemed willing to give ground and the crowd of 4,900 patrons cheered both on with uncontrolled shouts.

Then suddenly the slugging stopped and Docusen, who hardly knows the feel of canvas on his back, bounced on the deck after having caught a wicked right on the chin. He was down for a count of four.

Davis, relentless as an enraged tiger, moved in again. He landed a left hook to the jaw and Docusen stumbled into the ropes, from where he took a two-count from Referee Johnny Indrisano. When action resumed, Davis continued the brutal attack a few more seconds until the bell mercifully saved the wavy-haired challenger.

But by this time it was obvious that Big Duke’s tour of duty was limited. En route to his corner he once fell through the ropes. He was out but didn’t know enough to admit it….

When the third round started, Indrisano stopped the fight after eight seconds and awarded Davis the victory.

This photo led the next day’s Times Sports section front. The image won several awards for staff photographer Larry Sharkey, including best sports photo in the Associated Press statewide contest and first prize in an annual nationwide sports photo contest conducted by E.P. Dutton Co.

In 1948 Docusen lost a close world welterweight title fight to Sugar Ray Robinson. He passed away in 2009, but his website is still active.

California Boxing Hall of Fame.....6-25-2011

2011-06-28T17:47:00.000-07:00

RICHARD SAVALA & FRANKIE BALTAZAR

California Boxing Hall of Fame.....6-25-2011

2011-06-28T17:41:00.000-07:00

DON FRASER & FRANK BALTAZR

California Boxing Hall of Fame Inductions

2011-06-28T17:36:00.000-07:00

June 28, 2011 By Michele Chong
Exclusive Report from the Class of 2011!

From a boxer in the ’20s with over pro 200 bouts to an ex-WBA heavyweight champ, from a veteran trainer to a heralded PR wizard, from a friendly timekeeper part of the local pro circuit to a former gangbanger/U.S. State champion, Saturday’s California Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony was an exciting one for the crowd of over 500.

Each of this year’s inductees have contributed in one form or another to the sport we call the sweet science. During the weekend’s festivities it was time to honor over two dozen awardees for their hard work, discipline, dedication, passion and sacrifice, whether it was in or out of the ring. And many of the newest Hall of Famers are still working and thriving in the sport–either behind the scenes or at the front ranks.

Here is my special report and snapshots capturing the gala held at the Sportsmen’s Lodge in Studio City.

With the founder and President of the California organization Don Fraser welcoming the new class of honorees, the day was filled with many heartfelt speeches and moving tributes. Joining the roster of California’s “Best in the West” are Tony Tubbs, Dwight Hawkins, Gene Fullmer, Loreto Garza, Richard “Trino” Savala, Ray Lovato, Zack Padilla, Rich Marotta, Steve Brener, Lance Pugmire, Louie Burke, Ray “Windmill” White, Willy Silva, John Montes Sr., John Montes Jr., Herman Montes, John Liechty, Wes Wambold, Ramon Tiscareno, and (posthumously) Bob Fitzsimmons, Bert Colima, Willie Pep, “Baby Face” Gutierrez, Bob Voigt, Jim Moriarty, Noe Cruz and Fritzie Zivic.

This West Coast affair was also a great opportunity for a little R&R for many of the out-of-town guests. With the Sportmen’s Lodge located in the San Fernando Valley, several of the inductees who traveled to Southern California also got a chance to take in some of the sights. Making the most of their Hall of Fame weekends, there were trips to Disneyland, tours of our sunny beaches, and strolls through the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame. And the boxers even had a “movie-star sighting.”

At the beginning of the awards show, canine actor “Bear” offered a furry paw to all the champions coming through. You’ll see the pooch, a miniature Queensland Heeler, in “First Dog” being released this summer. In the foyer of the ballroom, as former WBC champ Paul Banke, ex-NABF titlist Randy Shields, and former WBC champion Carlos Palomino and others made their way into the banquet hall this surprise greeter with four legs offered all a friendly welcome. I found a fellow animal lover in Valley boxer Randy Shields, who spent a few minutes greeting the four-legged film star.

Later in the day, with their family and friends cheering them on, the inductees took their place at the podium. This year’s recipients also brought along family members who were all looking forward to the ceremony. Tony “TNT” Tubbs had a large group of relatives who all came in from Cincinnati, as did Riverside boxing trainer Willy Silva, who had four spirited tables cheering him on. I also enjoyed meeting PR guru Steve Brener’s family as well as the Trino Savala team who came down from Sacramento.

During the inductions, the honorees shared many memories from the past, funny anecdotes or poignant words of appreciation. In the posthumous category, the descendants of those who have passed on proudly accepted their awards.

Soaking in all the support and acclaim received, the former fighters and icons in the sport were presented their proclamations from the California Boxing Hall of Fame and the City of Los Angeles. While the individuals were called up on stage, there was the lively Denise Fraser Band serenading them. And yes, no boxing banquet would be complete without the classic “Rocky” theme in the background.

While hundreds of SoCal fans had a chance to get autographs and pose for pictures, the large Empire Room also offered the boxing community a chance to reconnect in a fun and social setting. I had many of the guests tell me how they ran into friends they hadn’t seen in ages. Many boxers also said they caught up with guys they had sparred or trained with or fought before–in both the amateur world and the pro ranks. Boxing in the Golden State has a rich history–especially in the Southland–and these awards pay tribute to the deserving individuals whose played a part in the sport.

In attendance were former title holders, top contenders and past inductees including fighters Carlos Palomino, Randy Shields, Frankie Baltazar Jr., Danny “Little Red” Lopez, Allen Syers, Paul Banke, Andy Nance, Bobby Chacon, Rodolfo Gonzalez, Billy Moore, Rick Farris, Armando Muniz, Oscar Muniz, trainer Bennie Georgino, boxing historian J.J. Johnston, WBC’s Dr. Joe Noriega and many more.

Also showing support was a knockout contingent of familiar faces who are currently part of the fight game including promoter Ken Thompson (Thompson Boxing Promotions), California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) Executive Officer George Dodd, officials Jack Reiss, Gwen Adair, Dr. James Jen Kin, PR master John Beyrooty, and the team from Cleto Reyes Gloves, Elizabeth Reyes and Mike Serrano (with white and red collectible Cleto Reyes gloves ready for signatures).

President Don Fraser thanked his Vice President Frank Baltazar Sr., Vice President Rick Resnick, Ken Green, Bill and Linda Dempsey Young, Larry and Elsa Montalvo, Norma Silvani, Gwen Adair and his whole committee who made the dream a reality for the 27 new inductees. Each year I know Fraser and his Hall of Fame committee work tirelessly (almost year round) to ensure that the annual event is a success. It is a labor of love for this group who has a longtime bond with so many in the boxing circles.

The CBHOF Vice President Frank Baltazar Sr. says they spend several months putting the banquet together, including all the finishing touches that make it a memorable event. Frank tells me they plan the gala “for about nine months out of the year trying to make it the best SoCal event of its kind, hard work but rewarding.”

The humble and always-classy Baltazar and his wife Connie have their own Hall of Fame dynasty within his own prizefighting family; sons (and very popular Olympic Auditorium sluggers) Frankie Jr., Tony and Bobby, who all followed their father’s footsteps in stepping into the ring.

And that was the ultimate theme throughout the ceremony with many of those honored paying tribute to their dads, trainers and father figures of generations past–the gentlemen who first instilled their passion for pugilism. There was a wealth of memories flowing through the decades in all the acceptance speeches. The wives (the true heroes) and families of the Hall of Famers were also given the credit that they deserve for being there through thick and thin.

Don Fraser and the CBHOF committee have made sure that these inductees get all the credit they’ve earned.

A toast to the new Class of 2011 who can now add three new words to their resumés: Hall of Fam

The Knockout Magazine, Feb 18, 1950, Olympic Auditorium Boxing..

2011-06-27T17:51:00.000-07:00

JOHN NOVELA 4 rds-135 Ibs. vs CHUCK THOMPSON
Two good-looking youngsters. Thin edge to Novela

BOBBY GARZA 4 rds-124 Ibs. vs JIMMY DUNN
These two may steal the show. Dunn a slight choice.

M. MALDONALDO 4 rds-128 Ibs. vs F. RODRIGUEZ
Manuel will have his hands full, but pick him.

GIL CADILLA 4 rds-126 Ibs. vs FREDDIE HAYES
Cadilla is one of Forbe's pupils. Must pick him.

CHU CHU JIMINEZ 4 rds-132 Ibs. vs ROCKY HARO
This will be a minor war...Jiminez has one several good bouts
at Ocean Park...Rocky knows his way around. Tab Haro.

MAIN EVENT

ENRIQUE BOLANOS 12 rds-136 Ibs. vs ART ARAGON
This is a "natural" ... Aragon takes the place
of the injured Maxie Docusen ... Form chart
points to Bolanos, but many observers give "Golden
Boy" Aragon the punchers chance ...Promoter Cal Eaton
looks for a near sell-out house ... Should be one of the year's
best scraps with the more experienced Bolanos rating the edge.

Jimmy McLarnin On Art "Golden Boy" Aragon,

2011-06-24T03:25:00.000-07:00

"If a kid can hit, and Aragon can, he's always dangerous. He can't be blamed for his cockiness because, most of the time, he delivers.
Mickey Walker On "Golden Boy" Aragon,
"I know Aragon's cocky, and has been beaten, but none could destroy his confidence. He always snaps back, bragging as usual. He's the most 'colorful' we have had around since Bert Colima."
The always reserved lightweight champ Jimmy Carter, merely said, after his non-title and title bouts with Art: "He's a good boy." Billy Graham, who bested him in a close nod when Art ran out of gas after a whirlwind start and also receipted for a cut face, put it this way: "He's a very good fighter. He stunned me a couple of times. I think he'd take Chuck Davey. He's a hooker and Chuck would be walking into his best punch.
The evidence shows that Art, who can be as quick with an alibi as a left jab, was justified in claiming that a bad left index foreknuckle-which later required surgery-bothered him noy only in the Graham set-to but prior fights with Salas and Kim, as well. He knocked out the latter, however, despite the handicap. Art's own excuse for losing his second battle with Carter, which was for the title, was that he had difficulty in making weight. The excuse made sense for it was apparent he was too finely drawn. The operation on his damaged mitt proved successful when he belted Elmer Beltz into helplessness in one of the briefest encounters on record. In any event, win, lose, or draw it is an even bet that Art's philosophy, as expressed in his own words, will prevail: "I intend to be a fathead, come what may. What else gets the moola? You can have those starving 'good losers.' "

This City Was Full of Fight

2011-06-23T11:29:00.000-07:00

Before football came and went, before the Dodgers and Lakers, boxing was the center of the Los Angeles sporting world.

By Steve Springer Times Staff Writer
March 30, 2006

FOR America's big-league sports, L.A. was a distant outpost for the first half of the 20th century, impressive for an off-season vacation, impractical as a home base. Before jet travel, any team moving to the West Coast would have presented a scheduling nightmare.

The Rams, who played only once a week, were the first to make the leap, coming in the 1940s. The Dodgers followed in the late 1950s, the Lakers not until 1960.

But boxing was different. Unencumbered by the need to regularly transport a full team a thousand miles or more, boxing found its way here even before the start of the last century.

James Jeffries, who won the heavyweight title from Bob Fitzsimmons in 1899, began his professional career in his hometown, Los Angeles, where he knocked out Hank Griffin in 14 rounds in 1896.

Jack Johnson, before he beat Tommy Burns for the heavyweight title in 1908, won the black heavyweight championship five years earlier by defeating Denver Ed Martin in 20 rounds in L. A. in 1903.

Over the ensuing century, this city produced one favorite son after another in the ring: Henry Armstrong, Art Aragon, Jerry Quarry and Schoolboy Bobby Chacon.

In the last 15 years, three of the sport's most recognizable figures have emerged from this area: Oscar De La Hoya from East Los Angeles, Shane Mosley from Pomona and Fernando Vargas from Oxnard. Three others — heavyweights James Toney, and Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko — moved here with the hope this would be a launching pad for the top of the heavyweight division.

But although they all lived here, they rarely fought here after their marketability grew. Instead, they followed the money. And except for an occasional championship match at Staples Center, that has meant fighting in Las Vegas. Since the Olympic Auditorium and the Forum went dark in the last decade, in terms of regularly scheduled matches, there has been no major venue for a promising fighter to polish his skills as he moved from club fighter to headliner.

It was far different a century ago.

The city of Vernon was the first focal point for the sport in the Los Angeles area, thanks to a bartender and former railroad worker named Jack Doyle, who opened a training camp in Arcadia in 1908, according to the Tacoma News-Tribune.

Two years later, when he opened a bar in Vernon, Doyle decided boxing would be a great vehicle for getting customers into his establishment. So he began to stage four-round fights, the participants lined up by matchmaker Wad Wadhams.

The fights were held in the indoor Vernon Arena. Another local promoter, Uncle Tom McCarey, built an outdoor Vernon Arena.

By 1914, the state had put strict regulations on the sport. Fights were limited to four rounds, purses to $25.

Fights were also held in the Wilmington Bowl, fighters often training for area matches in Venice and San Pedro.

In the early 1920s, Doyle built a 7,000-seat arena in Vernon, but its popularity was short-lived. On Aug. 4, 1925, L.A.'s boxing mecca, the Olympic Auditorium, opened on the corner of 18th and Grand.

"The Auditorium blazed with glory on its opening night," according to an article the next day in The Times, "the light of many electric lights surpassed only by the sparkling jewels that adorned the persons of several of our well-known citizens and citizenesses. Hollywood and the moving picture colony slipped into their tuxedos and formal apparel and blessed the ringside by their presence."

In the early days of the Olympic, Mae West, Lupe Velez, Ruby Keeler, Al Jolson and later Robert Taylor and Barbara Stanwyck could be found in the good seats.

By the middle of the last century, a fight fan could be entertained all week without leaving the area. Ocean Park Arena in Santa Monica had fights on Tuesdays, the Olympic on Thursdays and Hollywood Legion Stadium on Saturdays.

And the famous and the infamous tagged along, especially at Hollywood Legion Stadium, where entertainers Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, Jolson, Eddie Cantor and George Raft rubbed elbows with mobsters such as Mickey Cohen.

Armstrong, who moved to Los Angeles as an amateur boxer, would be at the top of the list of L.A.'s best fighters, pound for pound, and certainly near the top of any list.

In the days when there was only one champion in each weight division, Armstrong won the featherweight, welterweight and lightweight titles in 1937 and '38.

And he almost added a fourth belt to his expanding frame, fighting Ceferino Garcia to a draw in a middleweight title match at Gilmore Field in 1940.

If Armstrong was the most talented L.A. fighter, Art Aragon was the most colorful.

Aragon, who fought from 1944 to 1960, was "the Golden Boy" long before De La Hoya was born, so-named by actor William Holden, who had starred in the movie "The Golden Boy." Said Holden, pointing to Aragon: "Here's the real Golden Boy."

Aragon (89-20-5, 59 knockouts), a lightweight, never won a title, but he sure won over the fans, packing arenas for his often brutal, usually entertaining fights.

And he won over the media as well with his one-liners. Describing a fight he'd lost after dieting to make weight, he said, "I was the only fighter who ever had to be carried into the ring."

Among L.A.'s most memorable matches:

• The welterweight title fight between Joe Rivers, known as "the Lethal Latin," and Ad Wolgast at Vernon Arena in 1912. They went down from simultaneous punches in the 13th round for a double knockout. The victory was awarded to Wolgast, the defending champion.

• The welterweight title fight in which Jimmy McLarnin beat Young Corbett III in 1933 in front of 15,000 at Los Angeles' Wrigley Field.

• The featherweight match between Chacon and Danny "Little Red" Lopez that drew 16,080 to the Sports Arena in 1974, with an additional 2,671 paying to watch the fight on closed-circuit television at Olympic Auditorium. Chacon won on a ninth-round TKO.

Muhammad Ali fought three times at the Sports Arena as Cassius Clay, the last time against Archie Moore in 1962, winning all three matches. He returned as Ali to beat Ken Norton in 1973 at the Forum.

There were also many colorful L.A. figures outside the ring among promoters and matchmakers, from Aileen Eaton and George Parnassus to Mickey Davies, Babe McCoy and Don Chargin.

Staples Center is trying to write its own chapter in the city's rich boxing history.

It was the site of the first De La Hoya-Mosley fight in 2000. Roy Jones, Bernard Hopkins and Lennox Lewis have also fought there.

And on April 24, 2004, Vitali Klitschko beat Corrie Sanders at Staples to win the World Boxing Council heavyweight championship.

Klitschko has since retired, moved back to Ukraine and recently announced his candidacy for mayor of Kiev.

L.A.'s last heavyweight champion, Jeffries, won his title in 1899. Only boxing, of all of L.A.'s sports, can measure its monumental moments by the century.

Art "Golden Boy" Aragon, From The Fight Magazine 1953,

2011-06-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

Lee Boran managed Aragon through his first five years as a professional, then sold him in 1948 just as Art was about to become an established main eventer. Boren says, "I sold Art because I thought I'd rather be friends with him than train him. Boran sold Aragon to Barney Barnett. There personalities clashed, and Barnett, in turn, sold him a few months later to Jimmy Roche, who possesses a shrewd business mind and considerably more patience then his predecessor. Roche steered his Golden Boy to the big-money fights with one hand, and kept him humored by patting him on the back with the other. It has been difficult at times, but Roche says, "Other fight managers have alot of other kinds of trouble with their fighters. Art isn't so bad. He just pops off a little when he shouldn't." Recently the Golden Boy was watching a fight on television in which Elmer Beltz and Phil Kim, another Aragon knockout victim, were the contestants. Someone said, "Beltz seems to have slowed down." Another person said, "Kim doesn't look as fast as he used to, either." Aragon concurred. "Let me tell you something," he said. "Very few fighters look the same after they fight me."

From The Ring Jan 1952,

2011-06-23T04:50:00.000-07:00

Although Keeny Teran is still in the prelimenary ranks, the baby-faced youngster is already being hailed as another Manuel Ortiz in the making. Teran is built very much like Ortiz was at the same age, and like the former champion, Keeny packs a punch. Teran has had but twelve professional bouts, yet has displayed so much class and shown so much improvement that his manager and trainer, Ray Luna, is already thinking of the time when his handsome little protege will be fighting for the bantam title. And in this instance such thinking is not merely the "pipe dream" of some noisy handler, but instead, the observation of an exceptionally intelligent fellow, who was himself a clever boxer and is now one of the best trainers in California. However, although Teran has been boxing professionally for only eight months, he his no green hand at the trade, having been boxing since he was twelve years of age. In California, a boy must be 18 years of age to box even as a amateur, so Teran's fistic activities were confined to smokers. Keeny appeared on nearly a hundred such programs, and then as now, he "stole the show" most every time. Teran engaged in 24 amatuer contests, losing 2 of them, which decisions he reversed in return matches. Teran was born in Los Angeles on April 10, 1932 of Mexican parentage. And at 19 years of age he is still under the Bantamweight limit and he isn't apt to outgrow the weight for some time. California has produced three World Bantam champions, and if the ambition of this clever, hard punching little Mexican is realized, the fourth will be Keeny Teran.

Art Aragon Stories

2011-06-21T06:41:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine has been posting these Art Aragon stories in another site, and with his permission I have posted them on the my West Coast Boxers Of Years Gone By site

THE ORIGINAL GOLDEN BOY: ART ARAGON, Continued....The Post Below

2011-06-21T04:39:00.000-07:00

The Trigo fight was one of many controversies that marked Aragon's career. Warming up in the bowls of the Olympic Auditorium, Aragon and his handlers were overwhelmed by charcoal burner fumes so severe that chief second Billy Connyers had to be rushed to the hospital. Weakened by the fumes, Aragon fought gallantly, but lost a decision. He avenged the loss a month later, paving the way for a showdown with the top attraction in town, Enrique Bolanos. "That was the fight that made the 'Golden Boy," recalled Aragon. "He was 'the man.' So when I beat him, I became 'the man." Ten thousand fans packed the Olympic to see the bout, generating Aragon's biggest payday, with his 22 1/2 per cent of the gate worth the then-princely-sum of $6.700. Aragon battered Bolanos from the opening bell, after knocking him down in the 12th, saw his Idol rise, glassy-eyed and weak-knead. "He was really hurt and shaking, standing there with his hands at his sides, so I didn't hit him and the ref finally stopped it." While this sportsmanship wowed the writers, the fans never forgave Aragon for toppling there hero. "When they raised my hand everyone booed. I thought my next fight they'd cheer, naturally, but when I came into the ring 'Boo!'-and for the rest of my life when they mentioned my name in the ring they all booed...but they filled up the joint every time." The Hollywood crowd, on the other hand, embraced the handsome lightweight. Aragon quickly became a fixture on the nightclub scene, palling around with Bob Hope, golfing with Mickey Rooney and frequenting the Coconut Grove, Mocambo and Brown Derby, often with a well-known starlet." The Ink-stained wretches of the Times, Daily Mirror and Herald Express aslo stayed loyal to the man who provided them with juicy copy, including one even predicting his knockouts, a practice he stopped fairly quickly. "In those days everyone had action on the fight, so when I actually got lucky and knocked the guy out when I said I would, people thought things were fishy, so I stopped," said Aragon, who was spending money faster then he made it. While the predictions stopped, the attention didn't. His brashness filled the stands and his fists did the rest..

THE ORIGINAL GOLDEN BOY: ART ARAGON

2011-06-21T04:24:00.000-07:00

Los Angeles, 1949. Men wore hats, women were dames and sawbuck tossed on the bar at Ciro's made you the toast of the town. The Dodgers were in Brooklyn, the Lakers in Minneapolis and the Rams had just come out of Cleveland. Horse racing and boxing dominated the sports pages, five daily newspapers battled for copy and sports heroes were in short supply. Into that vacuum strutted boxing's original "Golden Boy," Art Aragon. "The ladies, my friend, the ladies!" laughed Aragon, remembers the time with a twinkle in his eye. "There were women everywhere you looked and I was makin' a living, so life was pretty good." The Golden Boy began his pro career on May 23, 1944 with a win over Frenchy Renee, notched 11 wins before his 17th birthday, entered the Coast Guard after turning 18 and, while stationed in Boston, managed to fight seven times in 1946, piling up six wins and a draw. "I did pretty good considering I couldn't train," he said. His only bout in '47 was a loss to Charley Early in Salem, Massachusetts, then It was back to L.A., Where in '48 he learned his trade the hard way, scoring quick knockouts over overmatched opponents like Ray Louis and Connie Smith in between hard-fought draws with nationally ranked veterans Tommy Campball and Jesse Flores. The "Wavy-haired fighter with a vicious left hook" had a knack for self-promotion to go with his heavy hands and his star rose quickly. Next on the hit list was Alfredo Pescatore, the self-styled lightweight champion of Italy. "After a minute of dancing, Pescatore walked straight towards Aragon, who was waiting with a right hand cocked. He pulled the trigger and the fight was over, with the Italian having suffered a broken nose," Less the three weeks later, well regarded "Irish" Tim Dalton stepped through the ropes to face the man the Herald's Morton Moss called "the handsome hard-hitting Golden Boy of southland fistiana." Dalton lasted seven rounds before the referee stopped the fight. Three weeks later Aragon was in Detroit, staying at the same home of his Idol, Joe Louis, who was making his first foray into promoting. "There I was Joe Louis' house, reading all his scrapbooks, and following him around. He was a real class act, but I don't think he said 10 words to me he whole time I was there, not that I cared," he said. On the card that Included exhibition bouts featuring ring legends Williie Pep and Jack Dempsey Aragon battled Luther Rawlings in the main event, dropping a close 10-round decision to a local favorite in a fight the Associated Press described as "One of the best scraps seen in a Detroit ring in years, so hard-fought it had the crowd of 10,062 tossing paper from the rafters into the ring as a way of cheering the bloody brawlers." Aragon returned home the #7-ranked lightweight in the country. He stayed busy, beating Benny Black and Wilf Desjardins before facing wily southpaw Harold "Babyface" Jones. "I hated lefties, you could never catch 'em, especially the ones who jabbed and ran," joked Aragon. The hard-earned victory kept the Aragon train rolling along. As did his marriage, the first of many. "I had plenty of wives I guess, but I loved 'em all, and they loved me, too, it's just that I had trouble staying put," he recalled with a grin. "They were all classy, too. I kept hoping it would rub off on me." In the ring Aragon continued wowing the crowd at the Legion Hall. First, ringsiders Joe Louis and Bob Hope watched Tony Chavez fall in one, then fighting with his right eye swollen shut for the final four rounds, he decisioned John L. Davis in what the Herald called "The best action fight of the year." Next up was Julio Jiminez and "Blood flowed like wine in the savage scrap, with both men cut over both eyes...Aragon had what it took when it counted and took the decision." A fith-round KO of Freddie "Babe" Herman followed, then the Golden Boy took out Alfredo Escobar in three. Aragon was crowned "Los Angeles Fighter of the Year" by boxing writers, prior to taking on Mario Trigo...To be continued..

Robert Guerrero To Fight Marcos Maidana

2011-06-21T04:00:00.000-07:00

By Dan Rafael
ESPN.com

Robert Guerrero, the two-time featherweight titleholder and junior lightweight titlist, has defeated several notable opponents.

But his next fight, an Aug. 27 date with interim junior welterweight titlist Marcos Maidana, looks as though it will be the toughest of his career.

"I think it the biggest one so far and I think it's the most dangerous one so far, too," Guerrero told ESPN.com on Monday after finding out the fight was signed, sealed and delivered.

Guerrero signed his contract last week and was waiting on Maidana to sign, which he did over the weekend, Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer told ESPN.com.

The fight, which will headline a "Boxing After Dark" card on HBO, will take place at the HP Pavilion -- better known as the Shark Tank -- in San Jose, Calif., not far from Guerrero's hometown of Gilroy, Calif.

"He's a tough guy. He has punching power. He keeps coming and he gets off the canvas when he gets knocked down," said Guerrero, who will move up to junior welterweight for the bout. "When I watch Marcos Maidana fight, I look at the fight and I think the better the opposition in front him, the more he steps up his game."

"Robert is stepping up to face the hardest puncher in the division," Schaefer said. "I really think he belongs on that pound-for-pound list because of what he has accomplished. Maybe if he wins against Maidana that will get him there."

Maidana's last two fights have been all-action slugfests in Las Vegas. In December, he dropped a tight decision to titleholder Amir Khan in the 2010 Boxing Writers Association of America fight of the year. On April 9, Argentina's Maidana (30-2, 27 KOs) narrowly outpointed Mexican great Erik Morales, a former three-division champion, in a grueling brawl.

Guerrero (29-1-1, 18 KOs) fought on the Maidana-Morales HBO PPV undercard and outpointed slugger Michael Katsidis to claim a pair of vacant interim lightweight belts. After his fight, Guerrero said he watched Maidana-Morales on a monitor in his dressing room.

"It was an exciting fight to watch, especially knowing a fight with me and the winner could be made with Golden Boy, and now here it is," Guerrero said. "They both went to war. They put on a great fight and me and Katsidis also put on a great fight. And now the winners, we're clashing in August."

Maidana, who will train in Puerto Rico, confirmed that he had agreed to the fight, tweeting, "I think everybody (will) like the fight vs. Guerrero. I'll prepare myself 100 percent since it's a tough one. But I will win!"

Said Schaefer, "This confirms what we know about Maidana, that he fights anyone, anywhere, anytime. There are very few fighters like that, but he believes in his talents and his skills and in his iron chin and iron will. He feels this will be another big test and he's ready, and it doesn't matter where he's going to take it."

Schaefer has been working on the fight for weeks and was quite pleased that he had closed a difficult deal.

"Sometimes when you make a fight you know on paper going into the fight it has fight of the year written all over it and you know its going to be an action battle. This is one of those fights," Schaefer said. "It can only be a great fight. In the 140-pound division, this is as big as it gets. There many big fights there, but this is certainly one of them.

"This is one I am going to look forward to between now and Aug. 27 until the first bell rings. You'll have people split 50-50 on who is going to win the fight."

Guerrero is anxious to try his hand at a new weight.

"I'm super-excited about the move to 140. Just being at 140, I will be stronger, faster and more well rounded. I'm excited about it," Guerrero said. "Making 140 will be very easy for me. I'm just excited about this fight.

Guerrero said he was also looking forward to fighting at home, where he has good fan support.

"It will be great for the hometown fans. I've been wanting to fight a world title fight in San Jose and it's here. Aug. 27," he said. "I know all the fans are excited about it. I'll stay focused and not get caught up in the hype with all the fans. Just focus and do what I gotta do and everybody is happy."

The winner of the fight looms as a mandatory challenger for the winner of the July 23 (HBO) unification bout between Khan and Zab Judah.

Babe McCoy On Art "Golden Boy" Aragon

2011-06-20T05:43:00.000-07:00

"We've been given trouble by fighters we lose money with, so when a fellow like Aragon comes along, we can tolerate him. But believe me, he gives us plenty of trouble. Art is a boy with alot of confidence. He thinks he's a better fighter then Carter, and a better matchmaker then me. He tells our publicity man how to write his releases and tells the ticket office how to sell tickets. For a big fight, he tells us how to scale the house and how much to advertise."
When Aragon was up at Pop Soper's Ranch near Ojai, California, training for his title fight with Carter in November 1951, he became concerned over the influx of newspapermen coming to see him train. Art, who worries more about how advance ticket sales are progressing then the promoters do, was counting on a capacity crowd for his fight with Carter, and by simple arithmetic he arrived at the conclusion that for every newspaperman to be accommodated, one less ticket could be sold. When a group of newspapermen crowded around him after one of his rare sparring sessions, he said, to no one in particular, "Remind me to call the Olympic in the morning and tell them to cut down on the press pass list."
The booing of the Golden Boy has grown into a tradition. It is his trademark as much as his eye-catching robe. The fight fans boo Aragon for the same reason baseball fans eat hot dogs. It is the customary thing to do.

Art "Golden Boy" Aragon, From The Fight Magazine 1953,

2011-06-19T10:27:00.001-07:00

If Art Aragon spent as much time throwing real punches at sparring partners as he does verbal punches at the world, he would be lightweight champion today. Last June in Los Angeles' Olympic Stadium he snapped the six fight winning streak of Elmer Beltz, a highly-regarded welterweight, with a knockout in 50 seconds of the first round of a much-publicized charity fight. Beltz's manager, Bill Gale, was furious after the fight, but not because his boy had been beaten. he muttered in bitter indignation, "The thing that gripes me is that Aragon did just what he said he would." The Golden Boy had predicted he would floor Beltz with one punch and end the fight in the first round. He was also heard to say "I'd feel sorry for Beltz except for one thing: There's money involved." After fullfilling the boast, the loquacious fellow said in reference to his rapid knockout, "The house wasn't big enough. I wanted to get it over fast." It was as simple as that. Someone asked Aragon if he thought the fight should have been stopped sooner. He replied, "They should have stopped it when the match was signed." Another person asked if Art thought Beltz should have waited another year before taking him on. He replied, "He should have waited four years." Actually, though, Aragon is not as brash as he first appears. Out of the ring, he leads with his lip, and it is a widely accepted conclusion that he speaks before he thinks, and allowances are made accordingly. Before the fight the scenes in the dressing rooms of the two fighters provided a distinct contrast. Beltz was earnestly limbering up and shadow boxing. Aragon on the other hand, was deeply concerned over a sign he was in the process of painting. Art's trainer, Ray Luna, was holding a bottle of black liquid shoe polish in one hand and the dauber in the other. Aragon was dictating what he wanted printed on a large piece of white cardboard. On the first line appeared the words "IF IT'S A." On the scond line went "GOOD FIGHT." The Golden Boy was not satisfied with the progress Luna was making on the word "FIGHT." He said, "Aw, that's lousy. Here-let me do the rest of it." Fight time was approaching, but Art wasn't thinking about it. He was painstakingly printing the words "THROW MONEY" on the third line. When he reached the end of the line, there was not enough room for the "Y" in "MONEY," so Art put a small "Y" just beneath "E." Luna said, that's no good," and took the roll of adhesive tape, with which he was going to bandage Art's hands, out of Aragon's bag. He tore off small strips and covered the "MONE" with them. Then he took the bottle of polish and dauber from Aragon and painted a "$" sign on the tape. This met with Art's approval, so he dictated the last line: "P.S. FOR CITY OF HOPE." One of Aragon's handlers then was designated to carry the sign into the ring and display it prominently before the introductions were made. But when it came time for the Golden Boy's procession-consisting of Art in a GOLD robe to enter the ring, the crewman forgot the sign amid the last minute hustle and bustle. Aragon's thought was there, though. He had sincerely wanted t do his part to help the City of Hope, a local cancer and tuberculosis sanitorium.

Art "Golden Boy" Aragon

2011-06-17T10:41:00.000-07:00

When Aragon fought Billy Graham at the Olympic, few persons realized that the only sparring the Golden Boy did in preparation for the then top ranking welterweight contender was one round a day for some five days. Art said he was afraid he would re-injure the knuckles of his left hand which had given him trouble in preceding fights. Aragon tired in the late rounds, losing a close decision which was criticized by the Los Angeles press.
The Golden Boy, sixth of 11 children, was born November 13, 1927, on his parents' cattle ranch in Belan, New Mexico. a town of 3,000 population 30 miles south of Albuquerque. With the Aragon children waging a winning population battle with the cattle, papa Aragon found himself facing a financial burden. To alleviate the situation, Art, at the age of 2, was sent to live with a childless aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Gallegos, in Albuquerque. In Art's early years there were no indications of his ever becoming a professional fighter. He was a member in good standing of the Boy Scouts Of America, and Gallegos a localy-noted guitar player, Influenced Art to take violin lessons for six years. He didn't have a street fight until he took a job as a delivery boy in a drug store when he was 12 years old. When Aragon was 15 he sought his fortune Los Angeles and took a job in a dairy lifting empty milk cases onto a conveyor belt. Working with him was a belligerent fellow about three years older and some 30 pounds heavier then Art, then a scrawny 120-pounder. This fellow took delight in roughing up Art, and once when he was in the process, the foreman Lee Boren, caught him at it. Art thought it would cost both of them their jobs, but Boren, who trained fighters as a sideline, took Art aside and said to him, "If you let me train you for a month, you'll be able to beat him." Aragon was skeptical, but agreed. Every day after work Boren would take Art out into the alley in the back of Boren's house and patiently teach him how to move his feet and how to jab. Finally, when he thought Art was ready, he arranged the showdown battle in a old carriage house he rented to use for a gym. Art won, and that was the begining of a fighter-manager partnership. Aragon found out early what it was like to score a knockout. In his very first amateur fight he knocked his opponent to the floor for the count in the first 10 seconds of the fight. When he returned to his corner he said to Boren, "Get somebody else. This guy didn't want to fight. What will people think?"

Mel Epstein, a great mind of "Old School" Systolic breathing . . .

2011-06-12T15:11:00.000-07:00

By Rick Farris

Like the "old school trainer" fraternity in which he was vested member, Mel Epstein, knew the tricks of the boxing trade. How to get an edge.
Having an edge can make a big difference, and Mel was concerned about my deep breathing, my oxygen consumption during a bout.

Mel was not a "certified" anything, like the so-called educated gurus who charge champs six figures today.
Actual experience was Mel's guide, advice from the likes of Dempsey's trainer, Teddy Hayes, and Ray Arcel back in the Benny Leonard days.
He also got some advice from another valued source, his mother.

"Mrs. Epstein, of the Boston Epsteins," Mel would kid, was an opera singer when Mel was a young lad.
She learned to breathe as a singer breathes, pulling oxygen deep into the body, beneath the lungs into the upper stomach.
"It's called systolic breathing, and that is what I'm going to teach you," Mel promised.
He continued, "My mother taught me, and I saw Dempsey practicing it but they didn't call it systolic breathing. That was my mother's term, and my mother was educated, you know, she came from a good family."
Mel was right, I began to breathe different and it also aided my runs with Bob Seagren.

Mel did some boxing, and has the nose to prove he was probably best suited in management, training and promotion - and he did it all!
Today a college degree and good line of bullshit will land documented smoke blower a spot on some champ's ship of fools. A "Physical trainer."
Mel is rolling in his grave, and he's laughing.

Just last week I saw a "physical advisor" on TV who is going to mentor a world champ on the "bodies rhythm".
He will try to show the athlete how to take deep breath, using a computor screen, high tech graffics and statistics.
The physical advisor will need the finest in high tech equipment attempting to demostrate his theory.
All Mel needed was a good story about his mother and a quick demonstration. Everyday he'd remind me as I walked along side him.
We'd be walking down Wilshire Blvd., near Vermont, Mel would bark . . . "Breathe deep, into your stomach. Systolic breathing."
I'd begin to breath to his staisfaction and then he would bark, "Toes in! Walk with your toes pointed inward, punchers are pigeon-toed!"

That's what he'd tell me as we walked . . . "Breathe, toes in!"
Mel Epstein, he was really something. Bless his soul.

Genaro remembered well . . . It's True: The Good Indeed Die Young

2011-06-09T07:29:00.000-07:00

By Steve Kim

For the last several years, former two-time super featherweight champion Genaro Hernandez had battled a rare form of cancer that had plagued his neck and head. It was thought to be in remission in 2009, only to return in 2010. Throughout it all, the humble man we called “Chicanito” fought valiantly. Once a fixture at ringside, where he played various roles from commentating on fights for Spanish networks to his duties for CompuBox, no matter what condition he was in, Hernandez was always in good spirits.

You didn’t have to ask how he felt. You could see it. Whether it was his emaciated look, the hair loss or the hue of his skin, you knew this was a sick man. In recent times, we’d see less of Genaro but through it all, he was, at his core, the same guy that made him a universally beloved figure in the boxing community.

Hernandez would constantly speak of fighting the good fight and staying positive, not just for himself but his wife Liliana and his two kids, Amanda (age 19) and Steven (age 11). He had too much to live for- prom dates to give the once over to, graduations to attend, kids to send off to college and eventually becoming a grandfather. Hernandez’s real life was just heading into the middle rounds.

Hernandez knew he was a heavy underdog but the fighter who was once inflicted with brittle hands kept punching as long as he could.

On May 4th, his brother, Rudy Hernandez, sent out this text message: "My brother will be sent home and take the weekend to spend with his family because it could be the last one he has with them outside of the hospital. His cancer got aggressive and took over."

“Chicanito” fought the good fight but he knew it was time to throw in the towel. Chemotherapy, which had taken so much from him, could do no more. This past Tuesday at 3:04 PM, at his home in Mission Viejo, CA, he passed away, surrounded by his family and loved ones.

I’m sure most of you know about his career inside the ring, where he cut his teeth as a boxer at the Great Western Forum. Hernandez eventually captured the 130-pound title twice, once memorably against Azumah Nelson (when he decided to fight on instead of forcing a disqualification for a punch after the bell) and his disappointing night against Oscar De La Hoya and a career-ending performance versus Floyd Mayweather were the only two losses in his 41-fight career. He was a skilled practitioner of the “Sweet Science” who used his freakish size (5’11”) as a 130-pounder to artfully outbox his foes. Hernandez wasn’t necessarily spectacular but he was a steady and polished prizefighter. As his record shows, you had to be more than just “good” to defeat him.

But why he was so well-liked and respected really had nothing to do with his accomplishments inside the ring. It was the person he was outside of it. Whether you were a fellow world champion, media member, trainer, cutman or fan, you could not find a nicer, more gracious individual. Hernandez was the very definition of humility and grace. Genaro was a better individual than he was a boxer; there is no debating that.

His brother, also a former fighter (ultimately becoming his trainer), says, "He was a genuine gentleman, as [Top Rank matchmaker] Bruce Trampler put it. He was a genuine gentleman."

There was an everyman quality and a certain normalcy to Hernandez and in many ways, he was the embodiment of that. While he had a storied career and made some money, he still had to go out into the real world and make a living for his family as he retired, which was just fine by him. If that involved boxing, even better. What Rudy will remember most about his brother is, "that he never thought he was better than anybody else and that his whole thing was if he could only be treated equally to a guy who was a four-round fighter, then he could be happy with that. It took him a long time to get used to the fact that people called him ’champ’."

This reporter began covering boxing back in 1996 (Where does the time go?) and the now-closed L.A. Boxing was the first gym I visited on a regular basis. It was there where I secured my first relationships with world-class fighters like Hernandez and an up-and-coming lightweight that was the best-kept secret on the West Coast by the name of Shane Mosley. They were frequent sparring partners (and it was Mosley that broke Hernandez’s nose before his bout against De La Hoya in 1995, effectively taking away any chance he had of beating the “Golden Boy”) and as I found out like anyone else, Hernandez was as accommodating as any athlete I have ever covered.

From being a guest on my radio show (the long-lost “Main Event” on KIEV and later, XTRA 1150) to coverage from my early days as a scribe at HouseofBoxing.com, Hernandez could always be counted on to be a real pro. After his retirement in 1998, he would jump over to our side of the ropes and work as a member of the media as an analyst. He was eventually hired by Top Rank (whose leader Bob Arum, sans fanfare, covered the cost of Hernandez’s medical bills along with Akihiko Honda of Teiken Promotions and the WBC) to do their international broadcasts.

His partner?

Yours Truly.

As news of Hernandez’s passing spread through the boxing world, I received this email from Rick Seara, who, at the time, was the executive producer of those telecasts:

"Hey, I know you are aware already. I just wanted to say that some of my funnest memories were with you and Genaro working together in the States and in Mexico. You guys made a good team and always brought out the best in each other. Heaven just got classier with a great champion.

Rick"

For the better part of a year between 1999 and 2000, it was “Chicanito” and me behind the mic. Being that we both lived in Southern California, we would get booked on the same flights in and out of LAX, traveling to the likes of Madison, Wisconsin, Boise, Idaho and Chihuahua, Mexico, calling various fight cards. We had a familiar pattern. We’d fly in together, share a cab, get our per diem from Top Rank site coordinator Jay Edson (another real “boxing guy” who is greatly missed) and then go eat. Hernandez and I had some great memories on the road. Running like hell in Madison from a torrential downpour in the middle of August after eating dinner at a local diner. Genaro somehow getting us upgraded to first-class on the way home to Los Angeles one time after just chatting with the ticket agent in St. Paul. Calling the classic first encounter between Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales (we were actually on the ring apron right next to the HBO crew) at the Mandalay Bay. In the immediate aftermath of that pitched battle, Arum- who promoted “El Terrible”- looked down at us from the ring and asked who we had winning. In unison, we blurted out, “Barrera.” Arum just rolled his eyes. Then there was the time just minutes from the first edition of Shane Mosley-Oscar De La Hoya at the Staples Center when I lost my color guy because he was also committed to work for HBO Latino (Hey, the guy was in demand). Seara nearly had a heart attack and just like that, I was a solo act that evening.

Those were good times. I learned a lot about boxing from Hernandez but what I really learned was what type of person he was. There was not one time I can recall that he turned down an autograph or a photo for an admiring fan or anyone that wanted to strike up a conversation with him about boxing as he hung out in the hotel lobby. From a grassroots level, Hernandez was as good an ambassador as the sport ever had. He was boxing’s version of Will Rogers.

This past weekend, his former colleague at CompuBox, Joe Carnicelli, let everyone in press row at the Staples Center know that things were looking grave for our friend. Word spread quickly; most of us already knew but just hearing it again was disturbing.

At age 45, a life well lived was coming to an end. This upcoming Monday starting at 11 AM, services in Hernandez’s honor will be held at the Resurrection Church in East Los Angeles (3324 Opal St. The cross streets are 8th and Lorena). He will be buried with his WBC belt around his waist, his Teiken jumpsuit on and a pair of boxing gloves on his hands. Yeah, he’s a fighter…even now. His brother says, "I hope a lot of people show up and I want his son, who’s only 11 years old…I hope that he can see the impact on who his dad was."

Rudy said his goodbye on Sunday night as “Chicanito” lay in bed.

"I was literally on top of him, face-to-face, and I told him, ’We did good, huh?’ and the big ol’ smile of his, he just gave me that smile and he said, ’Yeah, we did good’ and he shook his head like, ’Yeah, we did really good’ and then he just kinda laid back on that pillow and he pretty much went into rest that night.

"He went to sleep and that’s the last time we ever saw him smile."

maxboxing.com

R.I.P.....Genaro 'Chicanito' Hernandez

2011-06-09T04:39:00.000-07:00

From the latimes

Two-time world super-featherweight champion

Genaro "Chicanito" Hernandez, 45, who ascended through the Southern California boxing ranks to become a two-time world super-featherweight champion, died Tuesday after more than two years battling cancer, boxing publicist Bill Caplan said.

Hernandez had a 38-2-1 record with 17 knockouts in a career that stretched from 1984 to 1998 and included victories over Azumah Nelson, Carlos Hernandez and Jorge Paez. His only losses were to Oscar De La Hoya and Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Hernandez had spent recent years as a TV boxing analyst.

A Los Angeles native, Hernandez lived in Mission Viejo. He and his wife, Liliana, had a son and a daughter.

Old Baldy vs. Old Bones - SI June/1/1959

2011-06-04T10:00:00.000-07:00

Defending his lightweight title, Joe Brown stakes it against Paolo Rosi
by Martin Kane

The lightweight division, the one in which there is more action in the ring than in the hearing rooms of boxing commissions, has a modest surplus of legitimate contenders for the title. One of these worthy opponents, ranked No. 3 by the National Boxing Association, gets a proper chance at the championship in Washington, D.C. next week.

This No. 3 contender is Paolo Rosi, a balding bleeder in his 30s, a naturalized Italian who has proudly named one of his sons Dwight (for Ike) and the other Kenneth because it is so American. Paolo is essentially a club fighter, grotesque in style but remarkably effective against prettier men. On the night of June 3 he will be up against one of the prettier and prosier-named champions, Joe Brown, in one of the more attractive of TV's Wednesday Night Fights.

Joe has been a fighting champion, as the term is measured in these days of high taxes that generally make it unprofitable for a titleholder to risk his championship more than a couple of times a year. This will be Brown's seventh defense in little more than two years, and his 100th professional fight in 13 years of campaigning. Before that he was the Navy's lightweight champion during World War II, winning 16 fights between seven landings in the Pacific.

In contrast to Rosi, who is principally a slugger and taker, Brown is in the tradition of the truly knowing masters of the moves.

Paolo's brown eyes are ever a clear and present danger to his survival. He has had mounds of sensitive scar tissue removed from above them by surgery. But even so he has not lost a fight since December 1956, when he was stopped in the seventh (on a cut) by Baby Vasquez. Since then Paolo has rehabilitated himself with a decision over Vasquez and has destroyed the hopes of such wistful fellows as Frankie Ryff and Bobby Scanlon, both of whom, like Joe Brown, are sleek boxers. (What they lack, though, is the essential wisdom of the even sleeker Brown.) Paolo has, furthermore, beaten Johnny Busso, a club fighter who beat Brown when the title was not at stake, then made Brown look less than magnificent when the title was at stake.

The Brown-Rosi fight is, therefore, a natural sort of match, since it pits a sturdy puncher with a good left hook, conqueror of stylists and starchers, against a boxer-puncher of the old school, a sly trickster who can hit with either hand and doesn't care which.

Brown, who is known as Old Bones although he is a mere 33 by the official count and has not begun to approach the venerable status of an Archie Moore, has shown recent signs that he is about ready to be taken—not necessarily by Rosi but certainly, in due course, by one of the higher-ranking contenders.

There is, for instance, top-ranked Kenny Lane, the southpaw who was a mere point away from a draw and two points from the title when he met Brown last July at Houston. There is Carlos Ortiz, the young No. 2 challenger, a superior boxer and stout puncher now about to campaign against Lane in the regrettably revived junior welterweight division. On a good night, with a little bit of luck, either of these fighters might take Brown.

And so, for that matter, might Rosi, assuming that Old Bones is really over the hill, that time has drawn the temper of his ancipital weapons, and that he is about ready, as he himself has hinted in informal discourse, to pack it in for a lifetime of rest and contemplation of the better things.

The first hint that the end might be in sight for this once murderous puncher came on the night of the Lane fight, when his failure to handle an awkward situation with more than adequate grace was put down to the fact that he was baffled by Lane's southpaw stance and delivery. It was a forgivable lapse, but then in his next fight Brown was actually beaten by Busso in a 10-round over-the-weight contest. Well, it was assumed, that just meant Old Joe was shrewdly losing for the double purpose of building up a return match against Busso—this time for the title—and was trying to avoid a return match against Lane, who clearly deserved one. Still, when the title was at stake in the second Busso fight, Old Bones looked just barely good enough to win—and you can throw out some lopsided Houston judging in his favor.

This is not to suggest that Old Baldy is going to beat Old Bones. The odds at this distance from the fight seem a correct 2 to 1 in the champion's favor. But this coming Wednesday night will be a time to look keenly at Joe for those signs of disintegration that presage an early change in the championship.

BOXING / EARL GUSTKEY : At 74, Flores Remains Guiding Light of Amateur Division in Southland

2011-05-30T07:47:00.000-07:00

April 13, 1991|EARL GUSTKEY

Before World War II, there lived in Los Angeles a promising amateur featherweight named Johnny Flores.

Couldn't miss, folks said. He had already won some amateur tournaments when war came. Flores wound up as an Army infantryman, landing at Salerno, Italy.

Early one morning in 1944, Flores and five comrades sought refuge from German artillery fire in a small, abandoned farmhouse. But as the Germans began targeting the house, the six soldiers prepared to flee.

As they ran from the house, a round exploded directly above them. Five died instantly. By the time they got Flores to a field hospital, he was bleeding profusely from 33 shrapnel holes in his body.

But Johnny Flores survived. They gave him the purple heart, silver star and bronze star. He spent years recovering from his wounds, and never was able to resume boxing.

Instead, he turned to coaching young boxers, directing troubled kids into boxing gyms, organizing amateur boxing shows. Today, at 74, he still carries little chunks of steel in his body.

And in L.A., he is Mr. Amateur Boxing.

This week, he has been the major domo at something like his 750th amateur boxing tournament at the Lincoln Park Recreation Center gym. Tonight the finals of the 1991 Los Angeles Golden Gloves tournament will be fought.

Flores has no idea how many events he has run, or how many kids stayed out of trouble because he kept them in boxing gyms. So let's call it hundreds, in both cases.

Over the years, he has trained noteworthy pros, among them Jerry Quarry, Dwight Hawkins and Ruben Navarro. He has also seen countless promising prospects wash out along the way.

One boxer he has watched closely in this week's tournament is novice super-heavyweight David Luster, a 6-foot-4, 228-pound former linebacker at San Diego State. At 27, Luster began the tournament with only five amateur bouts.

Luster won Wednesday night, and will seek the L.A. Golden Gloves title tonight. If he wins, he will be on the L.A. team challenging the San Diego winners April 20. The North-South California Championships are April 27. Both the L.A.-San Diego and North-South events are at Lincoln Park.

Those winners will advance to the national Golden Gloves championships in Des Moines, Iowa, May 6-12.

Luster figures he is making up for a lack of experience by having picked Mercer Smith as his trainer. It was Smith who found Henry Tillman in a California Youth Authority boxing class and took him to a gold medal at the Los Angeles Olympics.

Johnnie Flores

2011-05-30T07:08:00.000-07:00

Among The Valiant.....Raul Morin

Los Diablos Azules (The Blue Devils)

The 88th was another Infantry Division in the Italian front that included many of our men.
The was the first 'all-selectee' Division that was brought up to aid the battle-tested combat groups, who had been battling the Germans since back in Africa and Sicily, and comprised part of the 5th Army in Italy.
Their men were called "Los Soldados A Huevo" (soldiers by compulsion) by ribbing infantrymen of the other divisions who had doubting suspicions of their fighting ability. They quickly dispelled all doubts by their sterling performance on the battlefield, by the impressive record of their infantryman in the Italian campaign, they were calling them,"BlauTeufels" or the Blue Devils.

March 15, 1944-While fighting near Cassino with the 349th Infantry Regiment of the newly arrived 88th Division. Johnnie Flores, rifleman from Los Angeles, went out on a daylight patrol and heard a funny noise in a house two miles behind the German lines. Investigating, Flores burst in upon a Kraut officer writing a letter. Mustering all the courage he possessed, he harshly ordered the officer outside. He was astonished to have fourteen other Germans rush in from an adjoining room, meekly surrender, and join the party to be marched back to the American lines. He felt worse after he goose-stepped the supermen to a POW cage and then discovered that his rifle had been jammed all during the performance.

For this daring exploit, Flores was recommended for a Silver Star, but he never received it,Instead, he was court-martialled because of a run-in with one of the officers of his company.
The officer complained that Flores had laughed at him when he ordered him to put on his helmet while out on patrol. Flores contended it wasn't customary to wear a helmet in a night patrol since he was the lead scout, and furthermore, the officer "wasn't even on the patrol." He (Flores) could not resist telling the officer he did not agree, in no uncertain terms.

Many months later, Flores was awarded the Bronze Star for his "heroic acheivement" in volunteering to occupy a tower near the Arno River to observe German movements. The Germans spotted him, turned direct artillery on the observation post and reduced it to rubble. Flores received severe wounds on his back and neck. He was sent back to an Army hospital, then sent stateside and later honorably discharged.